Quick Summary
Over a dozen DermaRite hand soaps and sanitizers have been recalled due to dangerous bacterial contamination that could cause life-threatening infections, especially in immunocompromised people. Stop use immediately, check lot numbers, and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
What happened?
DermaRite Industries LLC has issued an urgent voluntary recall of more than a dozen over-the-counter hand soaps and sanitizers sold across the U.S. and Puerto Rico after detecting Burkholderia cepacia contamination, a bacterium capable of causing serious and potentially fatal infections.
The recall, announced on August 8, covers popular products such as DermaKleen lotion soaps, PeriGiene antiseptic, and KleenFoam soap. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that those with compromised immune systems are at the highest risk of severe illness.
Why is this contamination dangerous
Burkholderia cepacia is commonly found in soil and water but is dangerous when it contaminates medical or hygiene products:
- Hard to treat: The bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics.
- Potential for person-to-person spread: Can pass in healthcare settings and homes.
- Infection symptoms: May include fever, fatigue, and in severe cases, sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection.
According to DermaRite’s statement, healthy individuals with only minor skin breaks may develop localized infections, while immunocompromised people face a higher risk of the infection entering the bloodstream.
Who is most at risk?
The FDA stresses that everyone should stop using the affected products immediately, but the danger is particularly high for:
- Hospital patients or nursing home residents
- People undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressing treatments
- Individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or lung disease
List of recalled products
The recall includes multiple lot numbers of:
- DermaKleen Lotion Soap
- PeriGiene Antiseptic
- KleenFoam Soap
- And other DermaRite hygiene products (see FDA’s official recall notice for full list)
The brand name and lot number are usually printed on the product label or packaging.
What consumers should do now
- Stop using recalled products immediately.
- Check lot numbers against the official recall list on the FDA’s website.
- Dispose of the products safely; do not pour them into sinks or toilets, as contamination could spread to water systems.
- Report any health issues to the FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program.
If you’ve used the products and experience symptoms like fever, weakness, or unusual skin irritation, seek medical attention promptly.
No reported illnesses, yet
As of August 8, DermaRite reported no confirmed adverse reactions linked to the recalled products. However, both the company and the FDA stress that early discontinuation and vigilance are critical to prevent outbreaks.