Just a medical update that might help some out there-this time of year I'm seeing more cauliflower ear. This results from trauma to the ear with subsequent collection of bloody fluid (auricular hematoma). If left alone, the ear will become permantly deformed and often hearing may become impaired as well. Treatment needs to be drainage AND compression. If you just drain it, the fluid will return. A good family doc or ENT can take care of the problem with the wrestler only missing 1 day-
numb the ear with 1% xylocaine without epi; drain with an 18gauge needle, then sew thru and thru with 3-0 nylon suture compressing the front and back of ear with either small rolls of gauze or a silicone splint. Leave this in for 5-14 days. Use oral antibiotics to minimize infection (keflex). Wrestler may compete with this in place. Prevention-wear your headgear during practice!