Eczema cream recalled for being potentially life-threatening. See brand

An ointment cream used to treat eczema and other skin conditions was recalled after it was found to be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, the Food and Drug Administration announced May 12.

Wisconsin-based company Pharmacal issued a recall for Multi-symptom Treatment Cream & Skin Protectant Eczema Cream, sold under the brand name MG217 for being potentially life-threatening for users.

"Use of the product could result in a range of infections from localized to severe or life-threatening adverse events," the notice on FDA's website read, adding "patients with weakened immune systems or compromised skin – such as those with wounds, burns, or skin disorders – are at increased risk for serious infections."

However, Pharmacal has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall, so far, according to the notice.

What eczema cream is recalled?

The cream, which is advertised as "hypoallergenic" and "safe for children and babies" is a full body skin protectant moisturizer, offering "fast, long-lasting relief from itching, irritation, dryness, roughness, redness and cracking," according to Pharmacal's website.

It was sold in 6 ounce tubes with product code 5106, UPC 012277051067, and lot 1024088 with expiration date of November 2026.

It was sold nationwide to wholesale, retail, and online marketplaces, including Amazon.

What should customers who purchased the cream do?

The FDA advises consumers who purchased the product to stop using it immediately and safely discard it, adding Pharmacal is in the process of notifying its distributors via an emailed letter and is arranging for return of all recalled products.

Those with questions regarding this recall can contact Pharmacal by phone at 800-558-6614 or email at [email protected] from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with product use can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax at 800-FDA-0178.

Meanwhile, consumers should seek medical help immediately if they experience any problems or side effects that may be related to the use of this product.

What is Staphylococcus aureus?

Also referred to as staph, Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the nose and on the skin of about 30% of people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Initial staph symptoms include skin reactions resembling pimples, boils or other conditions.

While it is mostly harmless, staph can sometimes cause infections, which can be serious and fatal in some people, especially in health care settings, where people may have undergone surgery, have weakened immune systems or have chronic conditions such as diabetes or cancer. In those cases, staph can lead to blood infections, pneumonia, heart failure or stroke, or bone and joint infection and life-threatening conditions like sepsis and septic shock.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.