In this Article

• What is cauliflower ear?
• How is cauliflower ear treated?
• What is the prognosis for cauliflower ear?
• How can cauliflower ear be prevented?
• Cauliflower Ear Glossary
• Cauliflower Ear Index

How is cauliflower ear treated?

The goals of treatment are to drain blood from the hematoma, treat any infection, and re-establish the connection of the skin to the underlying cartilage. Treatment usually requires draining accumulated blood (the hematoma) through an incision in the ear and applying a compressive dressing to sandwich the two sides of the skin against the cartilage. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection.

What is the prognosis for cauliflower ear?

When treated aggressively and promptly, cauliflower ear deformity is unlikely. Any delay in diagnosis leads to more difficulty in managing the problem, increased chances for insufficient blood supply to the ear cartilage, and escalated risk of deformity.

How can cauliflower ear be prevented?

Protective headgear and helmets worn during sporting activities can help prevent this condition. Helmets can also protect from serious head injury.

See a doctor (preferably an otolaryngologist-ear, nose and throat specialist or plastic surgeon) for definitive care as soon as possible after the injury.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Hematoma - Learn about a hematoma, a collection of blood outside a blood vessel. Types of hematomas include head, scalp, ear, septal, pelvic, intramuscular, subungual, and intra-abdominal.
• Fitness - Regular physical activity and fitness can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Fitness and physical activity also have other health benefits.
• Deafness, Hearing Loss - Hearing loss (deafness) may be present at birth or it may manifest later in life. Deafness may be genetic or due to damage from noise. Treatment of deafness depends upon its cause.

Read more Cauliflower Ear related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Boomers Doomed to Disability?
• Gender Divorce Gap After Illness Strikes
• Cigarette Smoking's Decline Levels Off
• 22 Million Cases of Swine Flu in U.S.