Healthcare soaps recalled: FDA cites risk of life-threatening infections

Several types of soap distributed throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico have been recalled over microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepacia. According to the Food and Drug Administration, multiple lots of four different types of soap are part of the recall.

The entire list, including product descriptions, lot codes, expiration dates and reorder numbers can be found here.

The FDA says the recall is necessary as Burkholderia cepacia can cause particularly dangerous infections.

“The contaminated products may be used by immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals,” reads a portion of the FDA press release about the recall. “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.”

DermaRite Industries, LLC voluntarily recalled lots of the following four products:

• DermaKleen — an over-the-counter healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.
• DermaSarra — an over-the-counter external analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to: dry skin, insect bites, detergents, sunburn.
• KleenFoam — an over-the-counter 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 — an over-the-counter antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.

So far, DermaRite Industries says it has not received any reports of adverse events related to the recall. The company says it has notified its distributors and customers via email asking them to immediately examine available inventory and destroy all affected products.

Consumers with questions may contact Mary Goldberg at 1-973-569-9000 ext. 104 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST or via email at voluntary.action@dermarite.com.