Abstract

Cauliflower deformity of the ear is commonly presented due to blunt trauma to the auricle. The common forms of blunt trauma are sports (boxing, wrestling, and martial arts), motor vehicle accidents, especially without wearing protective helmets, and child/adolescent abuse. Self-injurious behavior, particularly in individuals with certain psychological or developmental disorders, can indeed lead to a cauliflower ear if the person repeatedly hits, punches, or otherwise injures their ears. This type of behavior can cause trauma similar to what is seen in contact sports. Over time, repeated injury could result in the same kind of damage. Here, the author reports a case of an unusual cause of this deformity which is habitual play as a self-induced trauma. A 32-year-old clerk officer male patient presented with both deformed ears. The deformity of the left ear was worse than the right one. The patient has no fluctuation or other inflammatory signs during the examination. His medical, psychological, and dermatological history was free. The patient used to play with his ears to enjoy his friends for 2 to 3 years. His management is a triad of behavioral therapy, reassurance, and topical steroids. We present this unusual cause of cauliflower deformity of both ears which is the first case published in the literature up to our knowledge.

Key words: Self-induced, Steroid, Behavioral therapy