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Cauliflower ears are caused by blunt force trauma

Deformed ears are the hallmark of many contact sports, plaguing many ex-boxers, rugby players and wrestlers due to repetitive bunt force trauma. 

It is a permanent condition caused when cartilage of the ear is injured by trauma or inflammation.

Blood supply from the skin is disrupted, often forming a large pocket of blood, called a hematoma. 

As the injury to the ear heals it can fold in on itself and appear pale, giving it a cauliflower-like appearance.

Wrestlers, boxers, rugby players and martial artists are susceptible to this injury. 

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