DermaRite Industries has issued an urgent recall for four types of its medical hand soap after detecting contamination with Burkholderia cepacia complex, a potentially deadly bacterium. The products, sold across the United States and Puerto Rico, are used by healthcare professionals in hospitals and nursing homes.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Burkholderia cepacia is antibiotic-resistant and can cause serious infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The bacteria can lead to sepsis if it enters the bloodstream, posing a life-threatening risk.
The contaminated soaps are over-the-counter antiseptic products that may be used by or around immunosuppressed patients. DermaRite stated that healthy people with minor cuts could develop local infections, but the risk is higher for those with weakened immune systems.
No adverse events have been reported so far, but the company has notified distributors and customers to destroy all affected products. The CDC advises keeping hands clean, avoiding exposure of wounds to nonsterile water, and reporting any adverse reactions to a healthcare provider or the FDA's MedWatch program.
Customers with questions can contact Mary Goldberg at 973-569-9000 x104 or email voluntary.action@dermarite.com. The full list of recalled items is available on DermaRite's website.
