The Usefulness of 0.2% Topical Nitroglycerin for Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful idiopathic degenerative condition involving the skin and cartilage of the helix or antihelix of the ear. Topical nitroglycerin 2% is a relatively recent treatment option for CNH that has produced good results, although with adverse effects (17%...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Actas dermo-sifiliográficas (English ed.) 2015-09, Vol.106 (7), p.555-561
Main Authors: Sanz-Motilva, V, Martorell-Calatayud, A, Gutiérrez García-Rodrigo, C, Hueso-Gabriel, L, García-Melgares, M L, Pelufo-Enguix, C, Alfaro-Rubio, A, Vanaclocha-Sebastián, F
Format: Article
Language:eng ; spa
Subjects:
Administration, Cutaneous
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cartilage Diseases - drug therapy
Dermatitis - drug therapy
Dermatologic Agents - administration & dosage
Dermatologic Agents - adverse effects
Dermatologic Agents - therapeutic use
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Ear Auricle - drug effects
Ear Auricle - pathology
Ear Cartilage - drug effects
Ear Cartilage - pathology
Ear Diseases - drug therapy
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Nitroglycerin - administration & dosage
Nitroglycerin - adverse effects
Nitroglycerin - therapeutic use
Retrospective Studies
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful idiopathic degenerative condition involving the skin and cartilage of the helix or antihelix of the ear. Topical nitroglycerin 2% is a relatively recent treatment option for CNH that has produced good results, although with adverse effects (17% of cases). The use of a lower concentration would probably achieve similar results with fewer adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical nitroglycerin 0.2% in the treatment of CNH. We performed a retrospective observational study of patients treated in 2 Spanish hospitals between 2012 and 2014. The effectiveness of treatment was determined by clinical photography and assessment of symptoms using a verbal numerical rating scale. Of the 29 patients treated, 93% showed clinical improvement. In the group of responders, mean treatment duration was 1.8 months and mean follow-up was 5.9 months. Overall tolerance was good in all cases. Topical nitroglycerin 0.2% is an effective and well-tolerated conservative treatment option that improves the appearance of lesions and provides symptomatic relief in the majority of patients with CNH.
ISSN:1578-2190
DOI:10.1016/j.ad.2015.04.004