The most important thing you can do to prevent cauliflower ear is to wear the appropriate head gear when engaging in activities that increase your risk for ear trauma, such as wrestling, boxing, rugby, and other close-contact sports. It's crucial to get a proper fit for protective head gear. A helmet that's too loose can slip out of place, leaving you vulnerable to injury. One that's too tight may itself be damaging to the ears, especially as you repeatedly rub it against your ears putting it on and taking it off.
Athletes should use protective gear during practices. If you're thinking about high ear piercings, talk with your doctor first.
Another important step in the prevention of cauliflower ear is knowing the risks and having a doctor evaluate any trauma to the ear, even if it seems superficial. Treatment can help prevent the unsightly, often permanent, cosmetic effects of cauliflower ear, but it has to be done very soon after the injury occurs to be effective.