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Background

Cauliflower ear (Auricular haematoma) is caused by friction and compressive forces or sudden blow. The haematoma can develop from one trauma or the cumulative effect of many smaller blows to the ear. (see "protects" below) View diagram to see What is cauliflower ear

Stage 1

When the ear is struck a blood clot develops under the skin and the connection of the skin to the cartilage is disrupted. Blood and serous fluid accumulates between the skin and cartilage that results in a significant amount of swelling. The body normally absorbs the excess fluid at an injury site over time but in the outer ear the fluid solidifies and calcifies unless the fluid is drained (with a syringe) and pressure put on the area to stop more fluid filling the area. (see "cares" below)

Stage 2

If not managed correctly the ear cartilage begins to contract on itself forming a shrivelled up outer ear known as cauliflower ear. Once there is cartilage death and scarring (fibrosis), the resulting deformity is very difficult to reconstruct (if at all possible). Often the player is left with a permanent deformity. Click on diagram opposite to enlarge. (see "repairs" below)

Impact tackling cauliflower ear

(Protects, Cares, Repairs)

Protects - Impact's patented bio-jel™ post-auricular cushion™ protects the ear from blows, friction and compressive forces by providing a shock-absorber between the ear and the hard bone of the skull. The bio-film™ which holds the bio-jel™ in place protects the ear from friction.

Cares - Impact can be used to help reduce swelling on the ear and provide drug-free pain relief. To reduce swelling and maximise pain relief, it is advised that Impact be refrigerated prior to use. When the bio-film™ is secured firmly in place it provides the pressure required to stop more fluid filling the area. Impact is not a replacement for medical treatment. Please seek medical advice before using Impact on a damaged ear.

Repairs - If the ear has suffered trauma - lacerations, abrasions or cuts - Impact will provide and ideal healing environment. This allows wounds to heal up to 500% faster than if left untreated. The materials are transparent allowing the wound to be monitored without being disturbed. If you have a cauliflower ear Impact will help reduce the appearance of scar tissue and breaks down any necrotic (black tissue). To take advantage of the treatments above wear Impact as long as possible - ideally between 3 and 7 days. Click on diagram opposite to see how impact repairs damaged cauliflower ears.

Overview

The materials used in have been selected for their impact absorbing properties. An additional benefit is that the material have healing properties currently used in wound care for burns victims and post operative patients to aid in the healing process. To learn more about Impact's healing abilities for cauliflower ear read our FAQs

These materials, bio-jel™, bio-film™, bio-adhesive™ are prepared in a cleanroom facility to the highest International Standards. All material have been extensively tested. All material are hypo-allergenic (skin friendly).

bio-jel™

The patented bio-jel™ formula utilises a high glycerine content (96%) as a water soluble humectant in a mixture of water and polymer matrix. The bio-jel™ helps control factors that can inhibit the healing process, such as slough, debris, necrotic tissue, excess exudate and eschar. In addition, bio-jel™ will not stick to or dissolve into the wound, will not dry out and is bacteriostatic/fungistatic. By controlling these factors, you reduce the time for a wound to heal.

bio-film™

The bio-film™ consists of a thin polyurethane material coated with a layer of an acrylic Bio-adhesive™ - hypo-allergenic.

The bio-film™ is waterproof and will withstanding washing and competing in wet conditions. The bio-film™ has a high moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR). This allows perspiration to escape during competition so that Impact remains comfortable for as long a possible

By allowing the skin to breathe, the Bio-adhesive™ system reduces moisture buildup and the related potential for bacterial growth, thus providing a good healing environment.