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Cauliflower ear (blood under the ear skin)

Also called: Cauliflower ear, ear hematoma

Blood collects under the ear skin after a hit, common in wrestling. Draining it within days prevents a lumpy ear.

DrainWithin days

Overview

A hit or rubbing to the ear can shear the skin from the cartilage, and blood collects in between.

If not drained, the cartilage can scar and become lumpy.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Swollen ear after a hit
  • Swollen outer ear after a hit

Less common

  • Pain
  • Swelling

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayEar swelling.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.

Causes

Injury.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Wrestlers

Diagnosis

Exam.

Treatment

Get it drained.

Self-care

  • Ice
  • Ice the ear
  • Wear protective headgear
  • Keep the pressure bandage on

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Headgear
  • Wear headgear in wrestling

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Wrestlers and MMA fighters: Most common.
  • Wrestlers and boxers: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Fixable early.

Prompt drainage prevents permanent changes.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • Will it need to be drained again?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cauliflower ear (blood under the ear skin)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.