Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis. Successful treatment with the carbon dioxide laser

Abstract

Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis is a painful, persistent, or recurrent inflammatory lesion involving the cartilage and skin of the external ear. These lesions are resistant to many therapeutic modalities and often recur even after surgical excision. The CO2 laser was used to vaporize the cutaneous nodules and involved cartilage. The wounds were allowed to heal with only minimal care using hydrogen peroxide cleansing and applications of topical antibiotic ointment. Twelve lesions have been treated with no recurrences after 2 to 15 months. There have been no complications or infections following laser surgery. The pain from these lesions is gone immediately following laser surgery. Healing with excellent cosmetic results is complete usually within 3 to 4 weeks.