Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the ear. It causes a painful lump to develop on the top rim of the ear or the curved piece of cartilage just inside. CNH often affects those who sleep on one side of their body more than the other.

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a skin condition that affects the cartilage of the ear. It’s a painful nodule, which may or may not have a scab on it, that grows over a period of time.

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis — or CNH for short — is a condition that affects your outer ear. You’ll see inflammation and a small hard bump on the ear cartilage. It's also called Winkler's disease, named after the dermatologist who first described it in 1915.