chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis (Winkler disease)

Etiology

• habitually sleeping on the affected side

Epidemiology

• most often seen in middle-aged or elderly men

Pathology

• benign condition
• pressure between the head and the pillow at night
• can be precipitated by minor trauma,
• reduction in the local blood supply of the ear by a chilblain or with aging inhibits adequate healing

Clinical manifestations

• chronic, small, painful nodule(s) on the helix of the ear

Complications

ulceration

Management

• symptomatic treatment
  • avoid sleeping on the affected ear
  • use soft pillow
  • try to sleep evenly on both sides
• patient education

More general terms

• dermatitis