The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is warning healthcare workers to avoid using skin-sanitizing products manufactured by Clarcon Biological Chemistry Laboratory.

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration issued a consumer alert concerning inappropriately high levels of disease-causing bacteria in certain Clarcon products. Clarcon currently is voluntarily recalling some skin sanitizers and skin protectant products marketed under various brand names. The bacteria found in the lotions and sanitizing gels can cause serious skin and tissue infections, and may require medical or even surgical attention, according to the FDA. Permanent damage could arise from continued use. Consumers and healthcare workers alike are being advised to avoid the following products:

•Citrushield Lotion
•Dermasentials DermaBarrier
•Dermassentials by Clarcon Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer
•Iron Fist Barrier Hand Treatment
•Skin Shield Restaurant
•Skin Shield Industrial
•Skin Shield Beauty Salon Lotion
•Total Skin Care Beauty
•Total Skin Care Work

More information is available online:
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm164845.htm.