Hand Soaps Urgently Recalled Due to Potentially Life-Threatening Bacterial Contamination

DermaRite Industries, a New Jersey-based manufacturer of medical care and skin care products, has recalled multiple types of its over-the-counter cleansers and soaps due to microbial contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The affected products include DermaKleen antiseptic lotion soap, DermaSarra external analgesic, KleenFoam antimicrobial foam soap, and PeriGiene antiseptic cleanser. They were distributed nationwide in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and are sold on Amazon. A full list of the products with lot numbers and expiration dates can be found on the FDA's website.

The bacteria found in the products—Burkholderia cepacia complex—can cause serious and life-threatening infections, especially if used by immunocompromised individuals or people tending to immunocompromised individuals, the FDA warns.

Per the agency, the use of the products by healthy individuals will likely result in local infections. In immunocompromised individuals, the infection is more likely to spread into the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening sepsis.

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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 (CDC). Symptoms of an infection may include fever and fatigue. People who are immunocompromised or those with chronic lung conditions, including cystic fibrosis, are at higher risk.

So far, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse effects related to the recall. If you're experiencing any problems that may be related to using these products, contact your physician or healthcare provider immediately.

DermaRite has told its distributors and customers to destroy any affected products. If you have questions regarding this recall, contact the company by calling 973-569-9000 x104, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, or emailing voluntary.action@dermarite.com.

If you experience any issues or adverse reactions due to the use of these recalled products, you can also file a report with the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.