Cauliflower ear or auricular hematoma is a common condition among practitioners of combat sports such as MMA, wrestling, Sambo, or Jiu-Jitsu.
This ear pathology has a distinctive shape, resembling a cauliflower, hence the name.
How auricular hematoma develops
Research into this condition began in the mid-19th century, without a clear understanding of its cause. Initially, cases of intellectual disability and dementia were incorrectly associated with it.
Over the years, as research progressed, it was discovered that cauliflower ear is caused by the formation of blood clots in the area. These clots, resulting from strong and repeated impacts, cause the ear's cartilage to detach from the perichondrium, the layer that surrounds the cartilage and is responsible for its blood supply and nutrition.
Without proper blood flow, hypoxia and complete nutritional loss of the cartilage occur, rendering it completely inert. As a defense mechanism, a bruise forms that gradually swells, creating folds and resulting in this characteristic silhouette.
This condition is permanent and cannot be reversed, even if the impacts on the area cease. However, in recent years, surgical techniques have been developed to remove it and restore the ear's "normal" appearance.
Preventing the occurrence of cauliflower ear
This is where we come into play, in protecting against potential injuries during sports. In the sports we've discussed, where contact is frequent, continuous, and intense, it's very challenging to prevent these impacts.
Thus, the only thing we can manage is to lessen the impact and protect the ear from adopting this appearance. Wearing helmets for impacts and ear guards for continuous rubbing will protect you from developing cauliflower ear.
If detected early, it is possible to drain the blood clots that form the auricular hematoma and mitigate its effects. Some wrestlers also use compression bandages in the area to maintain irrigation.
To avoid this, click on this image to view our selection of ear protectors
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