What Causes Cauliflower Ear?

Cauliflower ear, also known as boxer's or wrestler's ear, is a deformity of the ear brought about by infection or trauma. It can develop from one severe blow to the ear or a culmination of several hits. Wearing protective head or ear equipment can help to alleviate the possibility of this disorder.

Susceptible Individuals

• Individuals who are most susceptible to this type of injury include boxers, wrestlers, martial artists and other others involved in activities where recurring abuse to the external portion of the ear occurs.

Cause

• When the ear is struck, a blood clot develops under the skin disrupting the connection of the skin to the cartilage. Since the cartilage has no other blood supply except the overlying skin which is separated from the cartilage, the cartilage is deprived of nutrients and dies.

Treatment

• The blood and fluid accumulated between the skin and cartilage needs to be drained through an incision in the ear. A compressive dressing is then applied to squeeze the two sides of the skin against the cartilage. This stops more fluid from filling the area.

Cauliflower Ear

• If the ear is not treated, the cartilage begins to fold in on itself, appearing pale and forming a shriveled-up outer ear known as a cauliflower ear. Once the cartilage decays, the ear deformity is very difficult to repair. The individual is often left with a permanent disability.

Recovery

• If treated promptly and aggressively, a cauliflower ear will not develop. However, delaying treatment may lead to more difficulty in managing the disorder and avoiding an ear deformity. Hearing may be affected if the ear canal is completely blocked by the swollen cartilage tissue.