Undoubtedly, participating in martial arts or any other strenuous sport requires substantial commitment. You need to be devoted, dedicate many hours to intensive training, and possess the appropriate Jiu-Jitsu equipment.
Such clothing comprises:
- rash guards,
- shorts,
- BJJ headgear,
- and more.
Due to the high-stress training and professional matches, injuries occur very frequently among martial artists. One such common injury is “cauliflower ear.”
This term was initially used in ancient Greece. Then, it was surprisingly popularized in Hong Kong.
In the 19th century, opium users in Hong Kong were said to have developed cauliflower ear conditions due to sleeping on wooden pillows.
Today, mixed martial artists, boxers, rugby players, and other sportsmen continue to face this issue.
So, it is crucial to wear high-quality Jiu-Jitsu headgear to prevent injuries that may result in a cauliflower ear.
Moreover, sportsmen can even use a new product called Earsplintz that is built using cutting-edge technology and designed to prevent and treat cauliflower ear.
If you’re bothered by persistent pain and problems caused by cauliflower ear, this is your go-to guide.
Here’s everything you need to know about the causes, treatment, and tips to prevent cauliflower ear.
Table of Contents
What Causes Cauliflower Ear?
Ears are exposed during close-contact sports like Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Rugby, and many forms of MMA. During such sports, blunt trauma is common, making ears highly susceptible to injuries.
If an ear is hit hard, a blood clot forms right under the skin, causing the connection between the cartilage and skin to break. This is what ultimately results in a cauliflower ear.
The skin covering the ear is the only source of blood supply to the ear’s cartilage. So, when the skin and cartilage separate, blood accumulates due to the ear injury (hematoma). This deprives the cartilage of necessary nutrition, and it dies.
The dead cartilage does not support the ear and cannot heal the injury. Plus, untreated ear injuries result in severe deformities, often called cauliflower.
Furthermore, this condition causes the ear to become pale due to the loss of blood supply.
Even though the cauliflower ear occurs most commonly in sportsmen, it can also affect non-sportsmen. Any kind of blunt, direct trauma or injury to the ear can cause infection leading to cauliflower ear.
Moreover, people with multiple piercings are also vulnerable to this condition since the upper ear is sensitive and not equipped to bear the trauma caused by thick piercings.
Infected piercings are known to cause auricular perichondritis, which then leads to a cauliflower ear.
Cauliflower ear is best safeguarded or prevented by wearing a BJJ ear guard or using self-molding Jiu-Jitsu headgear like Earsplintz. This new-age ear-protection technology is an effective way to avoid injuries to the ear.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Cauliflower Ear?
Every health problem has signs that indicate the need for medical attention. Since the cauliflower ear is caused by blunt and high-impact injuries to the ear, the symptoms range from standard to severe, depending upon the degree of the injury.
Some of the top symptoms of acute cauliflower ear are:
- Swelling
- Persisting Pain
- Ear Deformity
- Bruising of the Earlobe and Inner Ear
Severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention are:
- Tinnitus (Ringing in the ear)
- Blurred Vision
- Facial Swelling
- Loss or Difficulty in Hearing
- Headache
- Bleeding
If deformity and ear scarring have occurred, the symptoms might not appear. Thus, seeking medical help when symptoms begin to show is advised.
Moreover, early detection and treatment help prevent further deformity and infection risk.
To prevent the spread of infection early, athletes should wear appropriate Jiu-Jitsu clothing and BJJ headgear to protect their ears from injuries.
How to Get Rid of Cauliflower Ear?
Depending on the severity of the cauliflower ear, different treatment methods are available. Here are some of the most common methods.
On-Spot Treatment (First-Aid)
Ice is applied to the injury as a cold compress, and it should be done as fast as possible. You can apply ice to the affected area every 15 minutes to ease the swelling and pain. This method of first aid can help cut down the chances of developing cauliflower ear.
Drainage
Doctors usually help treat this condition by draining the additional blood from the ear. This is done by making a precise incision to draw the blood out at the injury site.
After this process, you will be prescribed antibiotics and other medications to relieve your pain and prevent further infection. The doctor will also install a compression dressing to help prevent deformity.
You must avoid any physical activity that might add to your injury and worsen it. This will help your ear recover quickly. Plus, you must keep a close watch on your ear swelling. Cauliflower ear is known to reoccur, so you must be wary of it.
Surgical Procedure
Even though the cauliflower ear is chronic, sometimes corrective surgery can help improve the ear’s appearance. This surgical procedure is called otoplasty. During this procedure, the doctor removes the extra cartilage or stitches your ear into shape.
Patients are normally given a general anesthetic, but you can request a local one too. Furthermore, it takes about six to eight weeks to resume physical activities. However, doctors recommend a longer waiting period.
EarSplintz
This phenomenal product is a recent market feature but has already overtaken the sporting world. Equipped with cutting-edge ear protection technology, this exceptional Ear-Stabilization Kit safeguards your ear by forming a protective mold around it.
This mold offers a custom-fit wrestling ear guard that helps prevent injuries to the ear and improve the condition of the cauliflower ear by gently improving the ear’s shape.
How to Prevent Cauliflower Ear?
Cauliflower ear is something that many athletes, especially wrestlers and martial artists, suffer from. However, as the age-old saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure,’ it is better to look for ways to protect your ears than develop a painful, chronic condition.
If you practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or any other kind of mixed martial arts, you may be used to the traditional kimono-style Jiu-Jitsu clothing. Jiu-Jitsu usually comprises its own BJJ headgear set designed to protect your ears.
So, if you’re looking for the best wrestling headgear to match your IBJJF-approved clothing, read our review guide that details the best BJJ headgear in 2024.
However, if you want a convenient, modern, and comfortable Jiu-Jitsu ear guard, you can purchase the Earsplintz-Ear Stabilization Kit.
This new BJJ ear guard has impressed athletes and other sportsmen with its custom-built fit, quick installation, durable build, ultimate comfort, and guaranteed protection. It uses the latest ear protection technology to help prevent ear injuries during extreme physical activities.
Summing Up
Sportsmen undergo physical ordeals every day, every match, and perhaps every season. However, they get back up and come back stronger. Grit, combined with the right gear, helps nurture their greatness.
As we’ve encountered the various reasons, causes, treatment, and prevention tips for cauliflower ear in this guide, we know by now that the ultimate solution awaits us. So, if you want to go the traditional way, look up the best BJJ headgear review 2024.
If you’re looking for the best and most fool-proof ear protection gear out there, Earsplintz is your one-stop solution to relieving you of the pain and trouble caused by cauliflower ear and even helping prevent it.
I'm Andrew, the entrepreneurial mind behind AV SEO Consultant Boutique Agency, with a deep-rooted love for cats and a knack for crafting the perfect home office. As the co-founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World, my expertise has evolved from the mat to the digital realm, where I now leverage my SEO savvy to empower others. Though injury may have paused my BJJ and MMA journey, my commitment to sharing actionable insights and resources for these passions remains unshaken.