Cotton Wool consists of silky fibers taken from cotton plants in their raw state. Impurities, such as seeds, are removed and the cotton is then bleached using hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite and sterilized. Cotton wool is used to refer to cotton in its softest and fluffiest form – think cotton balls. Due to its absorbency, it is most often used for cleaning the skin, bathing wounds, or applying liquids and creams. It also has medical, cosmetic, and many other practical uses. The first medical use of cotton wool was by Dr. Joseph Sampson Gamgee at the Queen's Hospital (later the General Hospital) in Birmingham, England.