Alert for our readers: Several hand soaps and related hygiene products sold nationwide — including at Walmart — have been voluntarily recalled due to contamination with Burkholderia cepacia, a bacterium that can cause serious infections and, in vulnerable people, life-threatening sepsis. This recall was announced on August 8, 2025, and affects products distributed across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Why this matters to older adults
- Higher risk: As we age, immune defenses can weaken. Infections that might be minor for others can become severe for seniors or anyone with chronic conditions.
- Daily-use items: The recalled items include hand soaps and a perineal cleanser commonly used in homes, assisted living, and caregiving settings.
Which products are recalled?
DermaRite Industries, LLC issued the recall for select lots in these lines:
- DermaKleen — antiseptic lotion soap (Vitamin E; 800 mL & 1000 mL bag-in-box sizes)
- KleenFoam — antimicrobial/antibacterial foam soap (aloe; commonly 1000 mL)
- PeriGiene — antiseptic perineal cleanser (7.5 oz)
- DermaSarra — external analgesic anti-itch lotion (7.5 oz)
Note: Affected lots have expiration dates ranging from approximately July 2025 to February 2027. Check your bottle/box for brand, size, and lot/expiry details.
| Brand | Product Type | Typical Sizes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| DermaKleen | Antiseptic lotion soap | 800 mL, 1000 mL | Stop use; discard |
| KleenFoam | Antimicrobial foam soap | 1000 mL | Stop use; discard |
| PeriGiene | Perineal cleanser | 7.5 oz | Stop use; discard |
| DermaSarra | External analgesic lotion | 7.5 oz | Stop use; discard |
What are the health risks?
Burkholderia cepacia can cause skin or soft-tissue infections. In people with weakened immune systems or open skin lesions, it may spread to the bloodstream and trigger sepsis (a medical emergency). Warning signs can include fever or very low temperature, fatigue, fast heart rate or breathing, confusion, and clammy skin.
What to do if you have these products
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Safely discard the product (do not donate or give it to others).
- Watch for symptoms of infection or sepsis and contact your doctor immediately if you are concerned.
- Report issues to the FDA’s MedWatch program (online or by calling 1-800-332-1088 to request a mail-in form).
- Questions for the manufacturer? Contact DermaRite: [email protected] or 973-569-9000 (ext. 104), Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET.
Caregiver checklist
- Check all bathrooms, bedside caddies, and caregiving totes for the brands listed above.
- Inspect shared dispensers (bag-in-box refills are common in facilities and home wall units).
- Replace with a different brand until you verify lots are safe.
- Document what you discarded (brand, size, lot number/expiry date) in case your facility tracks supplies.
FAQ
Were these sold at Walmart?
Yes. Multiple news outlets note that Walmart is among the retailers carrying the affected hand soaps. Distribution covered the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Are there confirmed illnesses?
As of the publication date, the company reported no known adverse events associated with the recalled lots.
How do I identify my product?
Match the brand name and size above, then check the lot number and expiration date on your packaging against the information provided in the official recall notice. When in doubt, stop using and discard.
Sources & Further Reading
- FDA Recall Notice: DermaKleen, DermaSarra, KleenFoam & PeriGiene (Aug. 8, 2025)
- Yahoo News: Hand soap recalled nationwide over bacterial contamination that could cause sepsis
- Hindustan Times: Walmart hand soap recall—full list
- Economic Times: Hand wash products sold at Walmart recalled nationwide
- Times Now News: Walmart hand soap recall—products, risks & what to do
