How to Drain Cauliflower Ear

Cauliflower ear is a condition in which the cartilage in the ear breaks and fills up with blood and other fluids. Also known as a hematoma aurius, cauliflower ear is common among wrestlers, boxers and other "combat" athletes. Once the cartilage is torn, blood rushes between the cracks, and the body’s defense mechanisms begin clotting the blood. When breakage occurs, the fluid needs to be drained. If it is not drained by the time the clotting process is complete, the fluid in the ear may harden, resulting in permanent disfigurement. The options for getting rid of cauliflower are fairly limited: drain it yourself, have a doctor drain it for you or do nothing. The latter, as mentioned, can leave you permanently disfigured. If you decide to go to the doctor, he will stick a good-sized needle into the hematoma and drain all of the blood and fluid. Multiple treatments may be necessary. If you insist on draining it yourself (which is a BAD idea), you may do the following.

Things You'll Need

• Sterilized hypodermic needle

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Instructions

• 1

  Sterilize the needle. Cleanliness is key. You want to minimize any chance of infection.

• 2

  Find a pocket of fluid and insert the needle into that area of your ear. This will hurt, and the skin will be tough, so you will need to put some force behind it. Once the needle is inside, you are ready to begin draining.

• 3

  Don’t freak out as you begin to drain the ear. You are close to the ear drum, so you very well may hear the skin crunching, the needle moving around, the fluid being slurped out, etc. Keep calm and focus on the task at hand.

• 4

  Apply sterile gauze. You have to get the wound to stop bleeding, and you will want to keep it covered. Change your gauze daily.

• 5

  Monitor the ear. There is a chance that you may need to drain the ear again. If another draining is necessary, repeat the above steps.