Handsoaps Recalled Over Bacteria That Can Cause Sepsis

Four brands of soap and skin products are being recalled by their manufacturer after they were discovered to potentially be contaminated with bacteria that can cause infections, and even lead to sepsis in immunosuppressed people, according to announcements from the FDA and DermaRite Industries.

The products, DermaKleen, KleenFoam, DermaSarra, and PeriGiene, have been recalled nationwide in the U.S. and Puerto Rico over the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia (spelled as cepecia in the FDA press release), though the health agency didn’t indicate how the contamination of the soaps may have occurred.

The announcements from the FDA and DermaRite Industries also didn’t state where the soaps and skin products were sold, though listings online suggest the soaps are often purchased by companies and institutions for use in public facilities. It’s not clear how popular the products may be at physical retail stores where the average consumer might buy them for use in the home, though they are available at online retailers like Amazon. Neither DermaRite nor the FDA immediately responded to questions Monday.

The FDA’s description of the recalled products:

• DermaKleen is an OTC Healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.
• DermaSarra is an OTC External analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to: dry skin, insect bites, detergents, sunburn.
• KleenFoam is an OTC Antimicrobial foam soap with Aloe Vera indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after assisting ill people, or before contact with a person under medical care or treatment.
• PeriGiene is an OTC Antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.

“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,” the company said in a statement posted online. “To date, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.”

Consumers who believe they’re experiencing issues after using these products are encouraged to contact their doctors. The lot numbers and expiration dates for the recalled products, according to DermaRite:

Consumers who have questions about the recall are encouraged to call Mary Goldberg at DermaRite Industries at the number 973-569-9000 x104, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, according to the company’s press release. The company can also be reached by email at: [email protected].