mineral oil

Mineral oil is most commonly put to use in our daily lives as baby oil, which has a fragrance added to it. It is clear, odorless and colorless. It is formed as a by-product during the distillation of petroleum from crude oil, to produce gasoline and other petroleum-based products. It is produced in very large quantities and is inexpensively available in drug stores. Due to its easy availability and low value, it is put into use in a wide range of avenues.

As a Laxative

Doctors often recommend mineral oil for constipation and also as a treatment for hemorrhoids. A mineral oil based laxative can be bought from a drug store and is usually taken orally before going to bed. As a laxative, it reduces the pain during bowel movement as it coats the stool with a waterproof film that helps it to remain moist. However, it must only be used on a short-term basis as over time, small quantities may get absorbed into internal tissue thereby causing adverse reactions to the body. It must not be used along with stool softeners as that will increase the chances of it getting absorbed by the body.

As Baby Oil

Fragrance is added to mineral oil and sold as baby oil in the US, UK, Canada and elsewhere. It is used as a skin ointment, and may help relieve the discomfort caused by "diaper rashes". Some use it to treat mild eczema, especially in situations where one does not want to use corticosteroid creams. Another use can be to clean the inside of the ears. relieve the discomfort
In Veterinary Medicine

Mineral oil is sometimes swabbed on the feet of chickens that have scaly mites on the shank, toes, and webs, which suffocates these small parasites and kills them. In the beekeeping industry, some people place paper napkins soaked in mineral oil in the hive to treat tracheal and other mites.

In Cosmetics

Mineral oil is an ingredient in several products of the beauty industry. It is used in cold creams, baby lotions, ointments and cosmetics. People also use it