Cauliflower Ear (Auricular Haematoma)
Damage to the cartilage of the ear caused by a direct trauma that applies a shearing force on the cartilage. This causes a haematoma between the perichondrium and cartilage, which gives swelling with scar tissue leading to the thickness seen with a cauliflower ear.
This injury can also be caused by repeated friction against the ear.
It is a common injury in sports such as wrestling and rugby.
Protective headgear can be worn to protect against this condition that can be very painful.
On receiving the injury, ice and compression can be applied and medical attention sort.