Cauliflower Ear – A Deformity Caused by Blunt Trauma to the Ear
Cauliflower ear is a condition which occurs in the external part of the ear as a result of a blood clot, blow or other fluid collection under the perichondrium. As a result of this the cartilage is separated from that of the overlying perichondrium which supplies the nutrients. This causes it to die and the result in a fibrous tissue which forms in the overlying skin. If the infected ear is left as it is then the outer ear can become swollen permanently as well as deformed causing it to shrivel up so that it resembles a cauliflower from where it gets its name.
This condition can be commonly found among boxers, rugby players, martial artists as well as among wrestlers to name a few. They could also appear as a result of an infection because of a pierced ear cartilage. Today, a head gear known as the ‘scrum cap’ is worn by martial artists, rugby players, wrestlers as well as by people who play different contact sports which protect ears to help prevent a cauliflower ear.
When the ear is struck it could result in either a blood clot which develops underneath the skin or else the skin being sheared from that of the cartilage causing the connection between the cartilage and skin to being disrupted. The ear’s cartilage has no other supply of blood other than that which is supplied by the overlying skin. Because of trauma the skin could get pulled apart from the cartilage or else separated from the cartilage as a result of blood or any other infection.
Antibiotics are prescribed as the outer ear is most prone to infections. If there is no medical intervention and the pressure is left as it is than there are possible chances the ear suffering from some serious damage. The pressure can get built up resulting in the ear drum being ruptured. When this happens, the ear can get further wrinkled and it becomes pale. This is then known as the Cauliflower ear. Different cosmetic procedures can help to change the ear’s appearance
The symptoms of this ear deformity include the thickening of the ear, a swollen ear or an ear deformity. Even if the person suffering from this ear infection does not care about the appearance of the ear, as is the case among most athletes and sports stars who wear it as a badge, the ear needs to be treated. Cosmetic appearance can only do some damage control especially where the ear has not yet been fully damaged. The wound can also be treated with the help of stitches. It is however still possible that the infected person may suffer from a significant amount of ear loss.
Cauliflower ear is an ear deformity which is caused as a result of infection due to blunt trauma faced by the ear. Know more about this ear deformity and child care visit our website.
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