A cotton ball is a ball of soft fiber that is primarily used for medical or cosmetic purposes, but can be used for other purposes such as arts and crafts or cleaning. They originate from the cotton plant, which is a shrub that is found in sub-tropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Cotton grows in bolls which are located around the seeds of the plants. Although the cotton can be used in its natural form, the fibers can be spun into other products such as bed sheets and clothing or refined and sterilized for everyday and medical uses. Cotton balls have multiple uses in the medical field including cleaning out wounds with hydrogen peroxide or iodine, applying topical ointments such as salves and creams, and stopping blood after a shot is given. Surgical procedures also require their use for soaking up internal blood. Also, they are used to pad a wound before it is bandaged. Using cotton balls for application and removal of cosmetics is another popular use. Foundations, bronzers, powders and blushes are sometimes applied with this product, as is nail polish remover. Because cosmetic cotton balls are sterile, they are a great tool for removing eye makeup with special remover, or applying skin care products such as astringents and toners. When people choose to use cotton products on their faces, they avoid touching their skin with their fingers which can lead to unpleasant blemishes.