When treated quickly, a cauliflower ear can be cured. This process often takes a couple of days. The longer the cauliflower ear is left to develop, the longer it takes to resolve, and it may require reconstructive surgery if left too long.

Cauliflower ear is the result of a direct blow to the outer ear. Blood or other fluids fill the space in between and disrupts normal blood flow. The skin on the surface of the ear is the only blood supply for the cartilage. Without adequate blood flow, the cartilage is starved of vital nutrients.

Cauliflower ear occurs after someone gets a hit or repeated hits to the ear. Wrestlers and boxers are more likely to have cauliflower ear because their ears may be hit while they’re in a match. These blows can damage the shape and structure of the outside of the ear.

While cauliflower ear isn’t life-threatening, a concussion can be, so patients should see their doctor right after they receive a blow to the head and ear. As we mentioned previously, cauliflower ear can be prevented with prompt treatment. Once you experience the injury, see a doctor right away.

Over the course of the next 2-4 days, that fluid will clot and calcify, and turn into what is known as cauliflower ear–a rock hard lump where that fluid-filled pocket used to be. To prevent cauliflower ear, the cavity will need to be drained, and then compressed to prevent refilling.

The most common initial symptoms of a cauliflower ear are: pain. swelling. bruising….These include:

1. hearing loss.
2. ringing in the ear.
3. headache.
4. severe bleeding.
5. blurred vision.
6. facial swelling.

Cauliflower ear, also known as perichondrial hematoma, is a swelling of the ear resulting from blood clot, which is caused by any physical damage to the body due to violence, fracture, or accident. This blood clot leads to a lumpy appearance that resembles a cauliflower. It is also famously known as wrestler’s ear, because wrestlers are usually the ones suffering from this deformity due to the nature of their job.

What is the treatment? Initial treatment. Ice the injury as quickly as possible. Drainage and compression. Your doctor may be able to treat the condition by draining the excess blood from your ear. Surgery. Cauliflower ear is permanent, but in some cases, you may be able to reverse the appearance using corrective surgery, known as otoplasty.

A cauliflower ear is prone to infections which can have long term consequences. An ear infection can cause a blockage and a build up of air pressure which can lead to a ruptured ear drum. If the ear drum is ruptured then the ability to hear will be affected.

There are two main ways to give yourself cauliflower earss: Rub your ear ( or ears ) repeatedly with wet cloth/material. Repeatedly punch your ear with your fist. In this case, some Russian wrestlers are giving each other cauliflower ears by resting their ear on a wood log and punching the ear: