Concerned about the possibility of dangers in applying engine oil to hair scarp, a skin expert, Dr Bola Ogunbiyi, cautioned hairstylists in the country to desist from the act.

Dr Ogunbiyi, a consultant dermatologist, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, stated that engine oil, when applied to the skin, was absorbed into the body and overtime might take its toll on health.

According to her, “the fact that engine oil works for what the stylist desires it for does not mean that it is side-effect free. There is still the need for studies to find out what might be contra dictated in it when applied to the hair.”

Dr Ogunbiyi declared that “a lot of people use engine oil for virtually everything from eczema, wounds to hair care. Engine oil is popular because it is available and cheap. But people keep forgetting that it is absorbed into the body when applied to the skin just as a bleaching cream.”

She declared: “It might be the same like bleaching creams in which its negative effects on health is gradual. When using bleaching creams, bits are gradually absorbed into the body system and over time, it takes its toll on the body, including the kidney.”

Dr Ogunbiyi reiterated the need for the general public to be wary of applying just anything on their skin, stating that the fact that a remedy works for a particular need does not mean that it has no side effects.