Cauliflower ear, or auricular hematoma as physician’s know it, is the twisted, gnarled, deformed-looking ears that combat sport aficionados are prone to because of the repeated trauma they endure. Boxers get it, but it is most common in grappling arts like wrestling or jiu-jitsu.
The trauma creates separation between the skin and the cartilage, which triggers swelling. That swelling, if it is not drained properly and swiftly, can stimulate additional growth in the cartilage of the ear, which results in cauliflower ear. Most grapplers have at least minor cases of cauliflower ear—little lumps and clumps here and there. From anecdotal evidence, it also seems that some people are more prone to cauliflower ears than others.
Within jiu-jitsu, and grappling communities in general, views on cauliflower ear vary. Cauliflower ear can be seen as a badge of honor, proof that you have been through battles and are dedicated to your training. That view still persists to a degree, but it is declining as the sport grows in popularity. These days, no one really cares if you want cauliflower ear or want to prevent it, so you should not feel uncomfortable if you want to have yours drained or if you want to wear headgear to prevent it.
Cauliflower ear, or auricular hematoma as physician’s know it, is the twisted, gnarled, deformed-looking ears that combat sport aficionados are prone to because of the repeated trauma they endure. Boxers get it, but it is most common in grappling arts like wrestling or jiu-jitsu.
The trauma creates separation between the skin and the cartilage, which triggers swelling. That swelling, if it is not drained properly and swiftly, can stimulate additional growth in the cartilage of the ear, which results in cauliflower ear. Most grapplers have at least minor cases of cauliflower ear—little lumps and clumps here and there. From anecdotal evidence, it also seems that some people are more prone to cauliflower ears than others.
Within jiu-jitsu, and grappling communities in general, views on cauliflower ear vary. Cauliflower ear can be seen as a badge of honor, proof that you have been through battles and are dedicated to your training. That view still persists to a degree, but it is declining as the sport grows in popularity. These days, no one really cares if you want cauliflower ear or want to prevent it, so you should not feel uncomfortable if you want to have yours drained or if you want to wear headgear to prevent it.
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