Hand Soaps, Antiseptics Recalled Over Bacteria That Could Cause ‘Life-Threatening Sepsis’

Multiple antiseptics, cleansers, and hand soaps have been voluntarily recalled over bacteria that could cause “life-threatening sepsis.”

DermaRite Industries is recalling DermaKleen antiseptic lotion with Vitamin E in 1,000- and 800- milliliter sizes, KleenFoam antimicrobial foam soap in 1,000-milliliter sizes, DermaSerra external analgesic in 7.5-ounce sizes, and PeriGiene antiseptic cleanser in 7.5-ounce sizes.

The products have expiration dates ranging from July 2025 to February 2027, the company said in a press release. They were distributed in the United States and in Puerto Rico.

The company recalled the products, which were intended to “decrease bacteria,” because of a bacterial “contamination identified as Burkholderia cepacia.”

“The contaminated products may be used by immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals,” the press realease said. “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.”

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The company told distributors and customers “to immediately examine available inventory and destroy all affected products.”

DermaRite said it “has not received any reports of adverse events.”

Burkholderia cepacia complex, also called B. cepacia or Bcc, is a bacteria group often found in soil and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is dangerous for people with compromised immune systems or chronic lung diseases, especially cystic fibrosis. It poses little risk to healthy individuals.

The CDC said B. cepacia can cause serious respiratory infections, as well as fever and fatigue. Individuals may also experience no symptoms. The bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics can make it difficult to treat.