Seventy-six patients with burns of the ears presented to the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Burn Trauma Center over a three year period. To prevent chondritis, all ears were treated prophylactically with periauricular hair shaving, daily cleaning, avoidance of pressure dressings and Sulfamylon Burn Cream. Chondritis developed in two patients. Aspects of auricular chondritis prevention and treatment are reviewed. Biology of the disease is discussed.