Hand Soap Recall Issued Over Potential ‘Life-Threatening Sepsis’ Contamination

DermaRite Industries LLC has recalled over a dozen of its products after a bacterial contamination was detected. The company announced the recall on Aug. 8, with the FDA recommending anyone who may be experiencing a reaction to consult their physician or a doctor. So far, no reports have been received by the company.

Per Fox 8, “DermaRite products are sold at places like Walmart and Amazon.”

What DermaRite products were recalled?

The company has recalled DermaKleen, an over-the-counter antiseptic lotion soap containing vitamin E, as well as DermaSarra, an analgesic used for temporary relief of itching associated with skin irritation. It has also recalled KleenFoam, a foam soap containing Aloe Vera, and PeriGiene, an antiseptic cleanser made for use in the perineal area.

The recalled products were reportedly distributed in the US and in Puerto Rico. If you have one of these products, you may find the brand name and lot number printed on the product and packaging. You may also consult DermaRite’s press release for the official list of products concerned by the recall.

The company also invited anyone with questions to email them at: [email protected]. If you think you were affected by the contamination, you can complete and submit a report online via the FDA at the following link: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

Why was there a recall for DermaRite products?

DermaRite said it recalled products due to the presence of Burkholderia cepacia, a type of bacterium that may result in “life-threatening infections,” especially for immunosuppressed people. Symptoms may include fever and fatigue, as well as serious respiratory infections in people with cystic fibrosis or other chronic lung disease.

The germs are commonly found in water and soil and can spread from person to person. They can also spread due to contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment. They can be difficult to treat because of their resistance to antibiotics, according to the CDC.

“Burkholderia Cepacia Complex in these products may result in serious and life-threatening infections. The contaminated products may be used by immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals,” DermaRite indicated in a statement. “In healthy individuals with minor skin lesions the use of the product will more likely result in local infections, whereas in immunocompromised individuals the infection is more likely to spread into blood stream leading to life-threatening sepsis.”