Cauliflower ear is also known as auricular hematoma or a wrestler’s ear. It’s a common condition that occurs after a blunt trauma to the ear. The impact may cause your ear to appear lumpy and somewhat deformed.

Your ear is covered by skin with blood capillaries that carry blood to the cartilage underneath. If you suffer a blow (blunt force or trauma) to the ear, the skin can separate from the cartilage. This can disrupt the capillaries (blood supply), leading to a ‘pocket of blood’ hematoma. This injury may heal gradually, causing your ear to fold in. That’s how a cauliflower ear is formed.

Is Cauliflower Ear Common?

Medical researchers are unsure how common an auricular hematoma is among the general population. However, the condition is common among combat athletes such as martial artists, boxers, wrestlers, and other athletes who participate in contact sports. In fact, a recent Finnish study found that 96% of national-champion-level martial artists have a symptom of auricular hematoma.

Cauliflower Ear Symptoms

The initial symptoms of an injury that can cause an auricular hematoma are the same as those you would have from blunt force trauma to other parts of your body. For example, the injured areas may be reddish, bruised, or swollen.

If you had a blow or several blows to your ear, don’t ignore these symptoms. Immediate treatment can help prevent auricular hematoma from developing. However, you must get professional treatment to restore the blood supply before your ear cartilage begins curling. Other symptoms you should pay attention to include;

• Ringing in your ears (tinnitus)
• Swelling in your face
• A sudden change in the shape of your ear
• Hearing loss
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Bleeding from your ear

Once your ear is infected, you’re likely to have various symptoms such as fever, swelling, pus drainage, and pain. Therefore, you should see a medical professional when you realize the initial symptoms of blunt trauma to your ear.

Treatment of Cauliflower Ear

When you suffer a blow or blows to your head, use ice immediately to reduce swelling and ease the pain. You should ice the injured ear in 15-minute cycles. It’s equally important to seek professional medical treatment within six hours after the ear injury.

Your doctor may recommend an incision or syringe to drain the pooled blood and remove any clots. You’ll need stitches afterwards. If you have a large hematoma, your doctor may use a catheter or a contemporary drain in your ear.

Suppose you have permanent damage from cauliflower ear. Your physician may recommend a cosmetic surgery to fix the damage. The surgery is known as otoplasty and may take three hours before your ear feels complete again.

One important thing you can do to prevent auricular hematoma is to wear the right protective headgear when you engage in sporting activities that are likely to increase your risk of ear-related injury, such as rugby, wrestling, martial arts, and boxing.