Hand Soaps Recalled Over ‘Life-Threatening’ Infections

(KMDL-FM) Over the past few years, the entire world has learned a lot about washing its hands. Here in Louisiana, when you grow up around Breaux Bridge, Henderson, Arnaudville, and Lafayette, thanks to crawfish boils, we already knew about the importance of making sure all the germs and spices have been thoroughly cleansed from hands.

Lord knows if you've ever rubbed your eyes at a crawfish boil, you can appreciate the lesson. But today's lesson is less about cleanliness and more about consumer diligence. We have another recall. What makes this recall iconic is that the product being recalled is specifically used to help control the organism that is the reason for the recall in the first place.

How Does Soap Work? How Does It Clean Our Hands?

Soap is a curious substance. I learned from watching Beakman's World, do you remember that show, that the basic function of soap is to make water wetter.

Yes, that was an odd show, and yes, Beakman is right on target with his description of how water, when combined with soap, becomes a better cleaner. However, the issue, as we've alluded to, is not about getting clean; it's about what could be inside the cleaner.

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A nationwide recall has been issued by New Jersey-based DermaRite Industries. The company is voluntarily recalling several of its over-the-counter soap brands because of contamination fears.

Testing of the product revealed contamination by Burkholderia cepacia complex. Yes, we all had to look that up. Here's what it is. It's a bacterium complex that has been shown to cause serious and fatal infections in humans.

Who is At Most Risk From The Recalled Soap Products?

Persons who are immunosuppressed should not use these products because they are at a much higher risk of infection than those whose immune systems are not compromised. Healthy people could also run the risk of infection, especially if the recalled products are used to clean a cut or open wound.

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The DermaRite recall applies to DermaKleen, DermaSarra, KleenFoam, and PeriGIene. All of these products are sold over the counter. If you currently have some of these products in your home, you'll need to check the DermaRite website for specific lot numbers.

However, if you're unsure if the product you have in your home is included in the recall, it is suggested that you not use it and discard it. If you have questions or concerns about the products and the recall, you may contact DermaRite via its website.