Waltheria ovata, a plant commonly found in tropical regions, has been traditionally used in various cultures for treating skin conditions, including scratches and abrasions. Ethnobotanical surveys and traditional medicine records from parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and South America indicate that the leaves or extracts are applied topically to minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions to promote healing and prevent infection. The usage is primarily based on ancestral knowledge and the empirical observations of local healers, who often prepare poultices or decoctions from the plant parts.

Scientific studies on Waltheria ovata are limited; however, related species such as Waltheria indica have demonstrated some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory settings. There is a lack of robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies specifically confirming the efficacy of Waltheria ovata for treating scratches or abrasions. As a result, the evidence supporting its use is largely traditional with some indirect support from studies on related species, but it does not meet modern scientific standards of validation.

In summary, the application of Waltheria ovata for scratches and abrasions is rooted in traditional practice, supported mainly by ethnomedicinal records rather than rigorous scientific evidence.