Cauliflower ear (ear wrestlers)

Ear Nose | Otorhinolaryngology | Cauliflower ear (ear wrestlers) (Disease)


Description

Cauliflower ear also called boxers ear or wrestlers ear is a painful, swollen distortion of the pinna, the ear flap resulting from blows or friction that have caused bleeding in the soft cartilage.

Symptoms of cauliflower ear include pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity of the curvature of the ear. If the trauma to the ear leads to loss of hearing, tinnitus or ringing in the ear, headaches, blurred vision, or facial swelling are present.

Causes and Risk factors

The most common cause of cauliflower ear is a hit to the ear, or repeated hits to the ear that leads to hematomas, or small collections of blood that clot and block the flow of blood and nutrients. Usually, cauliflower ear is related to sports injuries, but not always. Any trauma to the ear can cause it. Cauliflower ear can even be the result of an infection in the ear lobe.

They also can be a complication of high piercings in the upper area of the ear, through the cartilage, if the piercing becomes infected.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The goals of treatment are to drain blood from the hematoma, treat any infection, and reduce inflammation in order to re-establish the connection of the skin to the underlying cartilage. Disruption of the ear canal and ear drum is possible. Cosmetic procedures are available that can possibly improve the appearance of the ear....