This is used in medicine as an ingredient of ointments, plasters, and suppositories (see SUPPOSITORY). It is used either as yellow wax derived directly from honeycomb, or as white wax, which is the same substance bleached. It is also used in the form of paraffin wax to apply heat in the relief of rheumatic pains.

For wax in the ear, see under EAR, DISEASES OF.