Just heard a close neighbor has cauliflower ear. how do we explain this condition to the kids?

Ear deformity: Cauliflower ear is a chronic ear deformity caused by trauma to the ear. After trauma if blood accumulates under the skin around the cartilage it can obscure the normal folds of the ear. This should be drained to prevent the blood from becoming a fibrous thickening around the cartilage. Cauliflower ear is difficult to treat and best prevented by draining accumulated blood early.

Cauliflower ear: A cauliflower ear occurs when the thin layer covering the ear cartilage (similar to an onion skin) is separated from the cartilage by trauma, injury, or other causes. A blood filled blister forms which is replaced by cartilage. Repeated injury causes repeated bumps whic eventually causes the ear to look like a cauliflower. Treatment requires effective evacuation of blood.

Trauma: Repeated trauma to the ears, such as in wrestling, causes small hematomas that over time disfigure the underlying cartilage.

Bleeding under skin: When the ear is injured, bleeding can occur between the skin and cartilage. This collection of blood distorts the appearance of the ear. If drained and treated promptly (by your ENT or facial plastic surgeon), long term sequelae are usually minimal. Use of headgear for wrestlers and boxers can help prevent this common injury.

Good helmet lesson!: Unsightly only, not contagious! caused by injuries to ears, usually when not wearing head gear, during wrestling or boxing. Not caused by bike or skateboarding without a helmet, but the kids don't have to know that! :).