What role does medical calcium lime play in wound healing or infection control?

Medical calcium lime (or quicklime, calcium oxide, CaO) plays a unique and important role in wound healing and infection control, although its use in modern medicine is somewhat limited. Historically, calcium lime has been employed in a variety of medical and industrial contexts, including disinfection and sanitation, due to its strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. 
Antiseptic and Disinfectant Properties
Bactericidal Action: Calcium lime is highly alkaline and has a powerful disinfectant effect. When it comes into contact with water, it forms calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), a substance with strong antimicrobial properties. The high pH of calcium hydroxide makes it hostile to many types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In this way, calcium lime may be used to disinfect surfaces or wounds, preventing infections.
Historical Use in Wound Care: In the past, lime was used in some traditional wound care practices to sterilize wounds or prevent infections. It was particularly used in settings where other antiseptics were not available. However, this method has largely been replaced by more modern, effective treatments.
Wound Decontamination and Cleansing
Cleaning of Contaminated Wounds: Calcium lime has been used to help disinfect heavily contaminated wounds, especially in environments where sterile medical supplies are not readily available. Its caustic properties can kill bacteria and pathogens present in the wound, reducing the risk of infection.
Cleansing Agent for External Use: In some cases, calcium lime has been diluted or mixed with water to create a paste or solution for external use, particularly in rural or emergency settings. It would help neutralize harmful microbes and cleanse the area around the wound, although this practice is not commonly used today due to the availability of more effective, less harmful antiseptics.
Soothing and Alkaline Environment for Healing
pH Regulation in Wounds: Calcium lime’s transformation into calcium hydroxide in the presence of water results in a highly alkaline solution. Some researchers and practitioners have explored its potential use in regulating the pH of wound environments, as certain types of bacteria thrive in specific pH ranges. By raising the pH, calcium hydroxide could theoretically create an environment that is less favorable for infection-causing microorganisms while promoting the body’s natural healing processes.
Prevention of Biofilm Formation: Some studies suggest that the alkalinity provided by calcium lime (calcium hydroxide) can interfere with the formation of biofilms by bacteria. Biofilms are clusters of bacteria that adhere to surfaces (including wounds) and are difficult to treat with antibiotics. By disrupting biofilm formation, calcium lime could assist in preventing chronic infections in wounds.
Promoting Tissue Regeneration
Potential Role in Bone and Tissue Repair: Calcium compounds, including calcium lime (when hydrated to calcium hydroxide), have been studied for their role in bone regeneration. While medical calcium lime is not a primary treatment for wound healing in soft tissues, some of its derivatives, like calcium hydroxide, are used in dental medicine and for promoting bone growth in various surgical contexts. There may be potential for similar applications in wound healing for bones or deep tissue injuries, though more research is needed in this area.
Use in Veterinary Medicine for Infection Control
Animal Wounds: In veterinary settings, calcium lime has occasionally been used for treating wounds or preventing infection in livestock, particularly in large-scale agricultural environments. It is commonly employed as a disinfectant for barns, pens, or in the treatment of wounds in farm animals, where infection risk is high. Its use in veterinary medicine often focuses on managing bacterial infections in large herds or flocks, helping to control the spread of pathogens in agricultural settings.
Use in Soil and Water Sterilization
Indirect Wound Infection Control: Calcium lime is used in agricultural and environmental settings to disinfect water sources and treat soil.This indirectly helps control the spread of infection by reducing microbial contamination in the environment. Though not directly applied to human wounds, ensuring the cleanliness of the surrounding environment is crucial in preventing infection, especially in field hospitals or rural areas.