Insect wax, also known as Chinese insect wax or Ericerus pela wax, has a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in China. It has been applied topically in folk remedies for various skin conditions, including minor scratches and abrasions. The primary rationale in traditional practice is its occlusive, protective quality, which helps shield superficial wounds from environmental contaminants and moisture loss, thereby facilitating natural healing. Traditional texts sometimes mention its application as a soothing and protective layer, similar to how beeswax and other natural waxes have been used in various cultures for wound care.

However, there is minimal scientific validation for insect wax's efficacy in treating scratches and abrasions. Modern research on insect wax focuses more on its chemical composition, industrial uses, and potential as a pharmaceutical excipient rather than direct therapeutic benefits for wound healing. Studies on its antimicrobial or healing properties in the context of skin injuries are lacking. As such, its use for scratches and abrasions remains rooted in tradition, and the available evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak and largely anecdotal.