DermaRite Recalls Dozens of Skin and Hygiene Products for Possible Bacterial Contamination
Editors carefully fact-check all Consumer Notice, LLC content for accuracy and quality.
Consumer Notice, LLC has a stringent fact-checking process. It starts with our strict sourcing guidelines.
We only gather information from credible sources. This includes peer-reviewed medical journals, reputable media outlets, government reports, court records and interviews with qualified experts.
Dozens of soaps, lotions and cleansers made by DermaRite Industries are under voluntary recall after testing suggested they may be contaminated with a bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections.
The recall covers more than 40 over-the-counter skin care and hygiene products often used in hospitals, nursing homes and home care. They include perineal cleansers, protective ointments, antifungal creams and wound cleaners distributed nationwide.
The bacterium at the center of the recall, Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), is found naturally in water and soil and poses little risk to healthy people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But for those with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease, Bcc can cause respiratory illness, bloodstream infections, and in some cases, life-threatening sepsis.
Products Under Recall
More than three dozen products are on the recall list, including some staples in long-term care. Items include PeriFresh, PeriGiene and PeriGuard, which are all used to gently clean and protect the fragile skin of people who may be bedridden.
Other items like 4-N-1 no rinse wash creams, DermaCerin moisturizing creams, DermaFungal antifungal creams, Gel Rite instant gel hand sanitizers and DermaKleen antiseptic lotion soaps are also common in medical care.
The DermaRite website has a complete list of recalled products, including lot numbers and expiration dates.
What Consumers Should Know
New Jersey-based DermaRite has not said how the bacteria may have contaminated its products but noted that its wound care and nutritional products are unaffected.
“Our team has been working diligently to assist impacted customers as a result of this voluntary product recall, and we are actively implementing measures to ensure resolution,” the company said in a Sept. 8 statement. “We recognize the impact this situation may have caused and sincerely regret any inconvenience. Restoring full product availability is our highest priority.”
Consumers who have the recalled products should stop using them and dispose of them safely. Any health problems related to the use of the recalled items should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch program online, by mail or fax.
Signs of infection include fever, unusual fatigue or breathing problems. People with underlying health problems should alert their doctor if they notice these symptoms after using the affected products.
Consumers with questions can call the company at 888-943-5190, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, or email dermarite5186@sedgwick.com.