Auricular hematoma is bruising or swelling seen over the earlobes.
Physical trauma is the most common cause of auricular hematoma. Repeated injuries to the ear are the most common reasons for the formation of ear hematoma. Injuries to the auricle are common because of its exposed position and lack of protection from the surrounding structures. Some of the high-risk sports that may lead to auricular hematoma include:
- Rugby
- Boxing
- Wrestling
- Mixed martial arts
Wrestlers who do not wear protective gear are at a high risk of such kinds of injuries. Repeated hits to the ear cause damage to the blood vessels supplying the earlobes and cause blockage of blood flow to the ear cartilage (supporting tissue of the ear). This causes the cartilage to die, and scar tissue is formed in its place. Due to its lumpy bumpy appearance, the untreated auricular hematoma with the scarred tissue is called a cauliflower ear.
Other common causes of auricular hematoma:
- Piercing of the ear
- Motor vehicle accident
- Assaults
- Falls
- Fights
- Prolonged mobile use
- Polychondritis (inflammation of the cartilage of the ears, nose, and the airways of the lungs)
- Blood dyscrasias (blood disorders where clotting of blood is prolonged)
What is auricular hematoma?
Auricular hematoma describes the collection of blood below the skin of the outer ear, typically resulting from blunt trauma during sports. When auricular hematoma is not fully drained, recurs, or is left untreated, it may lead to permanent deformity known as a cauliflower ear. It can develop within minutes to hours of the blunt trauma.
What are the signs and symptoms of auricular hematoma?
The signs and symptoms of auricular hematoma depend on the severity of the trauma. The most common signs of auricular hematoma include:
- Pain around the bruise
- Swelling
- Bruising or discoloration around the ear
- Deformity of the curvature of the ear
Severe symptoms include:
- Loss of hearing
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Facial swelling
- Severe bleeding
How is auricular hematoma treated?
The goal of the treatment for auricular hematoma includes:
- Preventing permanent damage to the cartilage by draining the blood from the hematoma as soon as possible
- Treating a potential infection
- Reducing inflammation and swelling
The physician drains the hematoma by
- Giving local anesthesia to the affected area.
- Making an incision on the skin overlying the hematoma under aseptic conditions.
- Evacuating the hematoma with the control of bleeding and suction.
- Irrigating the site with normal saline after removing the hematoma.
- Applying a compression bandage on the site.
- Applying antibiotics to the skin for 7-10 days.
- Monitoring the patient every 24 hours for several days.
SLIDESHOW
The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See SlideshowCunha JP. Cauliflower Ear. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/cauliflower_ear/article.htm
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
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- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
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Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of blood that is outside a blood vessel. There are different areas where hematomas occur including; inside the skull, on the scalp, ears, septum, bones, finger nails, toenails, and intra-abdominal.
How Long Does It Take for a Hematoma to Go Away?
A hematoma is not a bruise. Learn what causes a hematoma and what you can do to treat one. What is the difference between a contusion and a hematoma? See the differences and similarities between these two types of bruises.
Is a Hematoma Worse Than a Contusion?
A hematoma is very similar to a bruise, but when the blood vessels break, the blood gets stuck and pools in one place. No single hematoma is guaranteed to be worse than a contusion.Why Is a Hematoma Worse Than a Bruise?
A hematoma is like a bruise but more serious. A hematoma is worse than a bruise because it's usually a sign of an injury deeper in the skin.