Fact Checked
Cauliflower ear is characterized by swelling of the ear due to a blood clot. Generally, the blood clot causes damage to the tissue that will result to a lumpy appearance of the ear that resembles a cauliflower.
The ear is susceptible to this injury since it projects from the head. The supply of blood to the cartilage supporting the ear is given by the overlying skin. When there is a disruption in the supply due to several clots or pressure due to swelling, the cartilage will die. This will result to the thickening and scarring of tissue and a new cartilage is formed in the ear. Boxer’s and wrestler’s ears are susceptible to this condition where the outer ear is deformed.
Causes of cauliflower ear
- A blunt trauma to the ear and cause series of small blood clots and result to tissue damage. Sometimes the cartilage pulls away from the skin.
- Infection of the ear especially due to piercings in the upper area of the ear
Symptoms
- Pain in the ear
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Deformity in the shape of the ear
- Ringing in the ear
- Difficulty in hearing with tinnitus
- Severe bleeding
- Blurred vision
- Facial swelling
Treatment
- Apply ice immediately to the affected area after the injury to lessen the inflammation and the pain. Ice can be in the form of ice cubes, frozen gel pack or crushed ice. Wrap whatever ice therapy is used using a towel or a cloth before placing to the area for at least 10 minutes at a time every hour for 3-4 hours immediately after the injury. Another alternative is using a bag of frozen vegetables such peas or corn to lessen the swelling in the ear. Apply cold compress by soaking a clean face towel in cold water. Wring out excess water and apply to the affected ear for at least 10 minutes, 3 times every day is also good for the condition.
- Use a head wrap to compress the affected ear using Tensor or Ace bandage around the head to give pressure against the ear. Combination of the cold therapy and compression to lessen the swelling, stop internal bleeding faster and lessen the severity of the cauliflower deformity. Avoid wrapping it so tight to prevent headache or dizziness or problems with circulation. Remove the bandage once every hour to rest the ear.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling and the pain due to cauliflower ear.
Tips
- An ideal way of averting lasting deformity of the ears is to perform drainage of fluid from the ear within 48 hours after the injury. Avoid draining the fluid by yourself to prevent scarring and infection.
- Avoid perform physical activities while the affected ear is in the healing process to prevent further accumulation of fluid in the ear.
- Wear proper protective gear for the ears during future training.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/cauliflower-ear