What is cauliflower ear: Causes and Treatments

When we talk about the term “cauliflower ear”, it refers to a kind of deformity of the ear. It can be due to various causes such as an injury or blunt trauma to the ear during a wrestling or boxing match. If this injury is not treated in a timely manner, then it can lead to a blockage, which would, in turn, prevent the flow of blood and damage the tissues. The injury ultimately results into a lumpy or bumpy appearance on the part of the ear that looks quite similar to a cauliflower. If treatment is carried out earlier, then it can help prevent a permanently deformed ear from developing.


Source

Causes
There are certain parts of the human body, which are vulnerable to injury such as the ears. When the ear is struck, it causes the blood to clot in that area and tends to develop under the skin. There are also instances where the skin is sheared from the cartilage. The disruption caused in between the skin and the cartilage leads to the formation of a cauliflower ear.

Treatment
The main goal of treatment is to prevent permanent damage to the cartilage by draining the blood from the hematoma. Other treatment measures include getting the infection treated in a timely manner and reducing inflammation to properly establish a connection between the skin and its underlying cartilage. The doctors can also prescribe antibiotics to prevent further infections or complications.