DermaRite recalls soaps due to risk of life-threatening sepsis nationwide.

DermaRite Industries, a North Bergen, New Jersey-based manufacturer, has announced a nationwide recall of various personal hygiene products due to potential contamination with Burkholderia cepacia, a bacterial strain known to cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert regarding the recall, underscoring the potential health risks associated with the affected items.

The voluntary recall, disclosed last week, encompasses a range of over-the-counter products, including antiseptic lotion soaps, external analgesics, antimicrobial foam soaps, and antiseptic cleansers. The products are commonly used for basic hygiene and various skin-related ailments. Burkholderia cepacia is typically found in soil and water, making exposure a risk for individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic lung conditions.

According to the manufacturer, while healthy individuals with minor skin irritations may experience localized infections, those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe complications. In immunocompromised patients, infections could spread to the bloodstream, potentially resulting in sepsis, a critical condition that can escalate rapidly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that infections caused by Burkholderia cepacia can lead to serious respiratory complications, particularly in patients suffering from conditions such as cystic fibrosis or chronic lung diseases. Symptoms associated with such infections can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe respiratory issues, fever, and fatigue.

Consumers are urged to discontinue use of the following affected products, which are available over the counter:

1. DermaKleen: An antiseptic lotion soap containing vitamin E, intended for handwashing to reduce skin bacteria, with expiration dates from July 2025 to February 2027.
2. DermaSarra: An analgesic cream meant to alleviate itching due to minor skin irritations, expiring in February 2026.
3. KleenFoam: An antimicrobial foam soap with aloe vera, designed for handwashing after contact with infants or ill individuals, with expiration dates between August 2025 and January 2027.
4. PeriGiene: An antiseptic cleanser for use in the perineal area, with expiration dates ranging from November 2025 to January 2027.

Consumers can find detailed information, including labels of the affected products, on DermaRite’s official website. It is vital for users to remain vigilant about product recalls to ensure their safety and well-being. As the situation develops, further updates may be provided by health authorities and the manufacturer.