August 11th, 2025 (Chicago, IL) – DermaRite Industries has issued a recall of several of the company’s antiseptic and antimicrobial products due to contamination with Burkholderia cepacia, bacteria that can cause severe, or even fatal, infections in individuals with compromised immune systems.
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These products, sold under brand names DermaKleen, DermaSarra, KleenFoam, and PeriGiene, are skincare products ranging from antibacterial soaps to external analgesics.
While no adverse health reactions have been reported so far, the bacteria’s resistance to common antibiotics makes prompt action essential.
What Products Are Affected by the Recall?
So far, four products produced by DermaRite have been affected by the recall.
- DermaKleen: OTC antiseptic lotion soap with antiseptic properties
- DermaSarra: OTC external analgesic used for temporary relief from itching due to dry skin, bug bites, detergent, and sun burns.
- KleenFoam: OTC foaming antimicrobial hand soap with aloe vera, indicated for use before and after changing diapers, assisting ill people, or contact with a person under medical care.
- PeriGiene: OTC antiseptic cleanser designed for the perineal area
The full list of lot numbers and other product information regarding the recalled products can be found on DermaRite’s website.
What Is Burkholderia Cepacia?
Burkholderia cepacia is a group of bacteria typically found in water or soil. B. cepacia can cause infections, and can be resistant to antibiotics, making treatment difficult. While most infections involving Burkholderia cepacia are mild in healthy people, those with compromised or weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases like cystic fibrosis are at risk for developing more serious infections and reactions. Some common side effects of a Burkholderia cepacia infection are
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Worsening infections
Healthy individuals with cuts who use these products may suffer from localized infection, however, immune compromised individuals may suffer from pneumonia, severe infections, and life-threatening sepsis if the infection gets to their blood stream.
How Does the Infection Spread?
Because the bacteria can survive in moist environments, contaminated soaps and cleansers are a high-risk exposure source. Typically, individuals can become infected with B. cepacia by coming into contact with contaminated water, soil, or watery environments. Contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment can also spread the germs that cause the infection. Person-to-person transmission is more common in people with lung diseases.
What to Do With the Recalled DermaRite Soap Products
DermaRite is contacting distributors and customers by e-mail with return and disposal instructions. If you have an antiseptic or antimicrobial product affected by the DermaRite recall, you should stop using it immediately. Take any products you have back to the place of purchase for a refund. If you are unable to return the product for any reason, dispose of it safely and disinfect any surfaces the product may have touched.
Legal Liability in Contaminated Product Cases
When a product is contaminated with dangerous bacteria, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer can be held legally responsible for any resulting harm. In Illinois and other states, product liability laws allow injured consumers to pursue claims under the legal theory of strict liability. This means that you do not have to prove the manufacturer was negligent — only that the product was defective and caused your injury.
Victims of contamination-related illnesses may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization and long-term care
- Lost income from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members in fatal cases
Steps to Take if You’ve Been Exposed to Recalled DermaRite Products
If you or a loved one has been exposed to contaminated DermaRite products:
- Stop using the product immediately and set it aside in a safe place.
- Document the product details, including the brand, lot number, and purchase location.
- Seek medical attention promptly, even if your symptoms seem mild. Early detection can be critical.
- Save the product and packaging — they can serve as important evidence in a legal claim.
- Keep receipts or proof of purchase to help establish when and where the item was bought.
- Contact a product liability attorney to review your rights and options before speaking with insurance companies or the manufacturer.
Past Recalls Involving B. Cepacia
This isn’t the first time Burkholderia cepacia contamination has triggered a national recall. In recent years, similar outbreaks have led to the removal of certain liquid soaps, hand sanitizers, and even medical products from the market. Notably, contaminated medical wipes and pre-filled saline flushes have caused infections in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The recurrence of these recalls highlights the need for strict manufacturing controls, especially for products intended for vulnerable populations.
How Ankin Law Handles Contaminated Product Claims
At Ankin Law, we have decades of experience holding negligent manufacturers accountable for releasing unsafe products into the marketplace. In contaminated product cases, we:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the source of contamination
- Consult with medical and scientific experts to link the product to your illness
- Gather and preserve evidence before it’s lost or destroyed
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers for a fair settlement
- Take the case to trial when necessary to secure full compensation
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious infection can take. Our team is committed to guiding you through every step of the legal process with compassion and skill.
Contact Ankin Law for Help Right Away
If you or a loved one suffered illness due to the recalled soap products, you have options. Contact a product liability attorney at Ankin Law today. When you work with our law firm, you can expect:
- 24/7 legal support
- Professional, personalized service
- FREE consultation
- Contingency fee structure
With a free consultation and a contingency fee structure, you won’t owe any legal fees until we collect for you. Call now to get started with your claim. 312-600-0000.
