Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis is a benign, but painful inflammatory condition of the ear, characterised by a tender nodule located on the helix or antihelix. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis associated with the use of coronavirus disease 2019 masks during the pandemic.

A retrospective single-centre study was performed from February 2020 to February 2022 in the Maxillo-Facial Unit at the University Hospital of Siena, Italy.

During the indexed period, 11 patients were affected by chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis. All patients wore a mask for more than 8 hours a day, every day for several months.

Although there is no certain proof of the correlation between masks and chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis, an increase in the incidence of this condition was highlighted in our single-centre experience in the pandemic period. The prolonged use of coronavirus disease 2019 masks may explain this correlation.

It is common practice to use head bandages for 7–10 days following pinnaplasty. However, head bandages are often troublesome for patients and can lead to serious complications.

A systematic review was performed to evaluate the use of head bandages after pinnaplasty. A search of Medline, Embase (Ovid) and CINAHL (EBSCO collections), the Cochrane Library, Pubmed (US National Library of Medicine) and Google Scholar identified 34 related articles. Of these, 14 were deemed relevant and 2 randomised controlled trials, 1 cohort study, 3 case series and 1 literature review met the inclusion criteria.

The two randomised controlled trials show no statistically significant difference in complications when a head bandage was used for the standard 7–10 days, for 24 hours or not at all. The three case series show that using a head bandage for 24 hours or not at all are safe alternatives. The review article recommended that when head bandages are applied after pinnaplasty it should be for the shortest duration possible.

Based on the available evidence, not using a head bandage at all or using one for a maximum of 24 hours following pinnaplasty is recommended.

Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis is a common benign condition of the pinna. It presents as a painful, well demarcated nodule on the pinna that may be associated with surrounding erythema or an overlying crust.

This paper describes techniques for the excision of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis on both the helix and anti-helix, and reconstruction of the defect.

Both methods give an excellent cosmetic result and can be performed under local anaesthetic. Excising and smoothing down the cartilage decreases the likelihood of recurrence as a smooth contour to the ear is achieved.