Nasal alar necrosis

To describe an unrecognized clinical entity, nasal alar necrosis, and propose recommendations regarding the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of these cases.

Retrospective review of four patients with this condition.

Histories, treatments, and outcomes were evaluated using office and hospital chart data.

We noted that three patients had prior trauma or surgery, other than to the nose, in the head and neck region. All four patients had comorbidities such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, depression, or tobacco abuse. Three patients had sensory deficits over the distribution of the maxillary nerve, and three volunteered that they had a habit of picking the crusted wound. Two patients improved over several months with aggressive wound care. One patient refused treatment and another underwent successful reconstruction.

After malignant and granulomatous diseases were ruled out, our evaluations suggested that the pathogenesis was multifactorial including several factors alone or in combination, such as, hypoesthesia, self-mutilation, and an inadequate blood supply. Deficits in vascularity and sensory innervation must be considered as potential obstacles in reconstruction. Psychological problems causing factitious wounding may complicate therapeutic interventions.