:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/washing-hands-012025-1-4327c47fc3de436d990d77385fdafea6.jpg "‘Life-Threatening Sepsis’ Linked to Recalled Hand Soap")
NEED TO KNOW
- On Friday, Aug. 8, DermaRite Industries LLC announced the recall of over a dozen soap and sanitizer products sold over the counter
- The manufacturer said in a news release that the products sold nationwide and in Puerto Rico could cause “life-threatening” health complications
- DermaKleen lotion soaps, PeriGiene antiseptic and KleenFoam soap are among those consumers should discontinue using
A variety of hand soaps sold nationwide and in Puerto Rico have been voluntarily recalled after a dangerous bacterial contamination was detected.
On Friday, Aug.8, DermaRite Industries LLC announced a lengthy list of products that they are recalling due to the presence of Burkholderia cepacia — a bacterium that “may result in serious and life-threatening infections.”
The germs, which are found in water and soil, can spread from person to person and are difficult to treat due to their antimicrobial resistance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of an infection may include fever and fatigue.
DermaKleen lotion soaps, PeriGiene antiseptic and KleenFoam soap are among the over a dozen products recalled, according to a DermaRite news release.
FDA
Having assessed the risk, DermaRite said the products may cause health issues for everyone, but immunosuppressed people are most vulnerable.
“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 the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis,” according to the DermaRite news release.
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As of Aug. 8, DermaRite claimed they hadn’t received reports of any adverse reactions to the products listed in their recall. The manufacturer confirmed they’ve informed their distributors and customers of the urgency to discontinue the products.
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FDA
DermaRite usually has the brand name and lot number printed on products or packaging that can be checked to find out if an item was recalled.
They’ve advised anyone with questions to email [email protected].
The FDA stated in a news release that anyone who experiences side effects from using the recalled products should contact their physician or healthcare provider.
They have also said any issues should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online.
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