Your daily skincare could contain a hidden danger—nationwide recall expanded after sepsis concerns
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If you’re like many of us at The GrayVine, you trust the lotions, soaps, and creams in your cabinet to keep your skin healthy and comfortable. But what happens when those very products could put your health on the line?
That unsettling question is now front and center as a wide-ranging recall of everyday skincare and hygiene items has been expanded nationwide.
The move comes after concerns that bacterial contamination could expose vulnerable individuals to life-threatening infections.
DermaRite Industries, a well-known name in the world of skin protectants, hand soaps, and sanitizers, first issued a recall in mid-August. But as of early September, the recall has grown to include even more products.
The culprit? Contamination with a group of bacteria known as Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC). While BCC might sound like something out of a medical drama, it’s a real threat—especially for people with weakened immune systems.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these bacteria can cause serious, even life-threatening infections.
In healthy people, the risk is lower, but for anyone with chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, or a compromised immune system, the consequences can be dire—including the risk of sepsis, a potentially fatal bloodstream infection.
Here’s a quick rundown of the recalled items:
Also read: Are you making this hygiene mistake? Shocking discovery inside man's body reveals why you might be at risk!
For most healthy adults, exposure to BCC might only cause a minor skin infection—unpleasant, but treatable. But for anyone with a weakened immune system, the stakes are much higher.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that BCC can cause severe respiratory infections and, in the worst cases, sepsis—a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection causes tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
This is especially concerning for older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and anyone living in a care facility. Many of the recalled products are specifically marketed for use by caregivers and healthcare professionals, making it even more important to check your supplies.
Also read: Simple ways to refresh your skin without breaking the bank, according to an expert
If you have any of the products listed above, here’s what you need to do:
Have you ever been affected by a product recall? Do you have tips for keeping track of the products you use, or questions about how to stay safe?
That unsettling question is now front and center as a wide-ranging recall of everyday skincare and hygiene items has been expanded nationwide.
The move comes after concerns that bacterial contamination could expose vulnerable individuals to life-threatening infections.
DermaRite Industries, a well-known name in the world of skin protectants, hand soaps, and sanitizers, first issued a recall in mid-August. But as of early September, the recall has grown to include even more products.
The culprit? Contamination with a group of bacteria known as Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC). While BCC might sound like something out of a medical drama, it’s a real threat—especially for people with weakened immune systems.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these bacteria can cause serious, even life-threatening infections.
In healthy people, the risk is lower, but for anyone with chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, or a compromised immune system, the consequences can be dire—including the risk of sepsis, a potentially fatal bloodstream infection.
The recall covers a wide range of products you might find in your bathroom cabinet, bedside table, or even at your local care facility. Image source: Birgith Roosipuu / Unsplash
Here’s a quick rundown of the recalled items:
- 4-N-1 No-Rinse Wash Cream: For chafed or cracked skin
- DermaCerin: Moisturizing cream for dry, chapped, or cracked skin
- DermaFungal: Antifungal cream for athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm
- DermaKleen: Antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E
- DermaMed: Skin protectant for poison ivy, oak, sumac, and other irritations
- DermaSarra: Analgesic cream for itching from dry skin, insect bites, detergents, or sunburn
- Gel Rite: Instant gel hand sanitizer with Vitamin E
- Hand E Foam: Foaming hand sanitizer with Vitamin E
- KleenFoam: Antimicrobial foam soap with Aloe Vera
- Lantiseptic: Skin protectant for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns
- PeriGiene: Antiseptic cleanser for the perineal area
- PeriGuard: Skin protectant for rashes and irritation from incontinence
- Renew Dimethicone: Skin protectant for diaper rash and minor skin irritations
- Renew Periprotect: Similar to above, for diaper rash and skin irritation
- Renew Skin Repair: Cream for chapped or cracked skin on face, hands, body, and legs
- UltraSure: Antiperspirant and deodorant
Also read: Are you making this hygiene mistake? Shocking discovery inside man's body reveals why you might be at risk!
For most healthy adults, exposure to BCC might only cause a minor skin infection—unpleasant, but treatable. But for anyone with a weakened immune system, the stakes are much higher.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that BCC can cause severe respiratory infections and, in the worst cases, sepsis—a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection causes tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
This is especially concerning for older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and anyone living in a care facility. Many of the recalled products are specifically marketed for use by caregivers and healthcare professionals, making it even more important to check your supplies.
Also read: Simple ways to refresh your skin without breaking the bank, according to an expert
If you have any of the products listed above, here’s what you need to do:
- Stop Using the Product Immediately: Don’t take any chances, especially if you or someone in your care is immunocompromised.
- Check Your Inventory: Look through your bathroom, medicine cabinet, and any supplies you keep for caregiving. If you work in a healthcare setting, alert your supervisor or supply manager.
- Dispose of Recalled Products: DermaRite has instructed customers to destroy any recalled items. If you’re unsure how to do this safely, contact the company for guidance.
- Contact DermaRite or Sedgwick: For questions, call Sedgwick at 888-943-5190 (Monday–Friday, 7 am–5 pm CT) or email [email protected].
- Monitor for Symptoms: If you or someone you care for develops redness, swelling, pain, fever, or any signs of infection after using these products, contact your healthcare provider right away.
