How do I prevent cauliflower ear?

The most reliable prevention is wrestling headgear during high-risk work: takedown drills, wrestling rounds, and positions that trap or grind the head (triangles, guillotines, head-and-arm). Not every gym culture wears headgear for every roll; many people use it selectively. If an ear swells, move fast. A doctor can drain the hematoma; then firm compression (specialty magnets or a proper bandage) and ice help keep blood from re-pooling. Compression often needs days, and repeat drainage happens. The useful window is short: once blood turns into hard scar tissue (often within about a week), the shape change is largely permanent. Do not improvise medical procedures from social media. See a clinician for drainage. Genetics play a role, so prevention still matters even if teammates “never get it.” Spanish: “cómo prevenir la oreja de coliflor” follows the same playbook: headgear + early medical care when swollen.