Why cauliflower ear

Without adequate blood flow, the cartilage is starved of vital nutrients. This can cause the tissue to become hard and fibrous, resulting in disfigurement. What Causes Cauliflower Ear?

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What Are the Symptoms? Localized swelling and redness. Skin irritation- fluid may build up on the outer portion of the ear. This damage to the cartilage of the ear increases the risk of infection. Your doctor then either removes some of the cartilage or uses stitches to reshape your ear.

You may need general anesthetic for the surgery, but in some cases, a local anesthetic can be used. You should be able to resume physical activities within six weeks, though your doctor may recommend waiting longer.

The best prevention for cauliflower ear is to prevent the trauma in the first place. If you participate in high-risk sports, such as wrestling, wear a helmet to protect yourself. Protection is especially important for children.

Look for protective head gear that includes ear guards, and make sure your child always wears this protective gear when participating in contact sports. Make sure your child and their coach understand the early signs of cauliflower ear and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.

You should also talk to your doctor about the use of blood thinners while participating in contact sports. Blood thinners can increase your risk for cauliflower ear, so avoiding the use of them before participating in a contact sport may help prevent this condition. Early treatment can help prevent cauliflower ear. Do yours? Protruding or prominent ears can have an impact on self-esteem. Learn why they stick out and what treatment…. Tympanometry is a test that measures the movement of your eardrum, or tympanic membrane.

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You may be wondering if there's any way to prevent cauliflower ear. Wearing the right headgear when playing sports — especially contact sports — is a must. Helmets not only can save you from developing cauliflower ear but protect you from serious head injury as well. Always wear a helmet if you are biking, blading, riding your scooter, or playing any sport where helmets or other forms of headgear are recommended or required like football, baseball, hockey, boxing, or wrestling.

If someone receives a sharp blow to the ear, there are ways to prevent cauliflower ear. A doctor can drain the blood from the ear through a cut and then reconnect skin to the cartilage by applying a tight bandage. Sometimes stitches are needed to sew the ear if the skin is badly ripped. The doctor may sometimes give the patient antibiotics to prevent an infection.