Medical Hand Soap Recall Due to Bacterial Contamination

A medical hand soap brand has issued a recall for four of its products due to concerns about a potentially dangerous bacteria. The company, DermaRite, initiated the recall after detecting microbial contamination, specifically Burkholderia cepacia, in its soap products. These products were distributed throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Burkholderia Cepacia Complex is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause infections, particularly in healthcare settings. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these infections can be serious and even life-threatening. The recalled soaps are over-the-counter antiseptic products used by healthcare professionals in settings such as hospitals and nursing homes. The company noted that the contaminated products may be used by or come into contact with immunosuppressed individuals.

B. cepacia spreads through various means, including exposure to water, soil, or aqueous environments, contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, and person-to-person transmission. The CDC indicates that individuals with cystic fibrosis are more commonly affected. While healthy individuals with minor skin cuts may experience local infections, the infection is more likely to spread into the bloodstream and cause life-threatening sepsis in immunocompromised individuals.

As of the announcement, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse events related to the recall. The CDC highlights that B. cepacia germs can be resistant to antibiotics, making treatment challenging. Symptoms can vary, ranging from no symptoms to serious respiratory infections, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis or other chronic lung diseases. Other symptoms may include fever and fatigue.

The soap brand has recalled a significant quantity of each affected product. The company has notified its distributors and customers via email, instructing them to immediately inspect their stock and destroy all affected products.

To minimize the risk of infection, patients and caregivers should prioritize hand hygiene, especially before and after caring for wounds or handling medical devices. The CDC recommends that individuals request others to clean their hands before interacting with patients or handling medical devices. They should also avoid exposing wounds and indwelling medical devices to non-sterile water and allow healthcare staff to clean their rooms daily when in a healthcare setting.

Customers who experience adverse reactions after using the product should seek medical attention from their physician or healthcare provider. Adverse reactions or quality issues related to the products can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. Customers with questions about the recall can contact Mary Goldberg during specified business hours.