Cauliflower ear is common in combat sports—but draining it in the gym is extremely irresponsible. Cauliflower ear happens when repeated trauma causes blood or fluid to collect between the cartilage and skin of the ear. If not treated properly, this fluid hardens and permanently deforms the ear. While early drainage can help, how and where it’s done matters just as much as when. Draining your ear with a needle in a gym environment is dangerous. Gyms are full of bacteria, including staph. There’s