Walmart Hand Soap Recall: DermaRite Issues Nationwide Alert Over Bacterial Contamination Risks

DermaRite Industries LLC announced a voluntary recall of a variety of over-the-counter hand soaps, lotions, and cleansers on August 8 due to a potential contamination with Burkholderia cepacia, a bacterium known for causing serious and potentially life-threatening infections. The recall spans products distributed nationwide across the United States and in Puerto Rico. Among the recalled items are DermaKleen antiseptic lotion soaps, PeriGiene antiseptic cleansers, and KleenFoam antimicrobial foam soaps. These products pose a particular risk to individuals with weakened immune systems, where the bacteria could lead to infections that spread into the bloodstream, potentially causing sepsis.

The bacteria, commonly found in water and soil, can be highly resistant to antibiotics, complicating treatment. While healthy individuals might experience local infections on minor skin lesions, the risk is significantly higher for immunocompromised people, where infections might lead to life-threatening conditions. Despite the potential risks, as of August 8, DermaRite reported they have not received any adverse reaction reports related to the recalled products.

DermaRite has alerted its distributors and customers, advising them to discontinue use of the affected products and destroy them as part of compliance with safety protocols. Consumers have been urged to consult their healthcare providers should they exhibit symptoms such as fever or fatigue after using the products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also recommended users of these products to report any side effects to its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

Recognizing the urgency presented by the contamination, DermaRite has made details about the recalled products publicly available. Lot numbers, packaging sizes, and expiration dates for products such as DermaKleen lotion soap, DermaSarra analgesic cream, KleenFoam soap, and PeriGiene cleanser have been provided to facilitate informed and timely action.

For further inquiries, consumers and distributors can reach DermaRite through specified communication channels. The company has reiterated its commitment to consumer safety and is providing comprehensive assistance to ensure the effective withdrawal of contaminated products from the market. Users experiencing any health issues potentially related to the use of recalled products are encouraged to seek medical advice and report incidents to ensure a coordinated response to the situation.