Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis Successfully Treated With Photodynamic Therapy

Five patients at our clinic, 3 women and 2 men, with a mean age of 77 years (age range, 58-88 years), were diagnosed as having CDNH. All cases presented with 1 or 2 small, painful erythematous nodules, 3 of which were centered by an ulcer, on the upper part of the helix (Figure 1). Two patients also had a painful erythematous lesion on the antihelix. Pressure-relieving devices, topical corticosteroids, and cryotherapy had been previously used with little or no improvement. In addition, in 1 case the lesion was a recurrence after surgical excision 2 years previously. The mean duration of the CDNH was 11.6 months (range,6-24 months).