DermaRite Recall Lawsuit Attorneys: Sepsis Dangers, Legal Options, and Patient Rights
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In July 2025, DermaRite Industries, LLC announced a nationwide voluntary recall of dozens of over-the-counter (OTC) skincare, cleansing, sanitizing, and deodorant products due to possible contamination with a dangerous bacteria known as Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia).
This bacteria is especially concerning for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and home healthcare settings; places where DermaRite products are commonly used. For vulnerable or immunocompromised patients, exposure can be life-threatening.
At Levin & Perconti, our attorneys are investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of patients and families harmed by contaminated DermaRite products.
You may not know whether a DermaRite product was used in your or your loved one’s care, but it is critical to understand the urgent risks that have come to light.
Why DermaRite Products Matter in Patient Care
DermaRite products are widely used in hospitals, nursing facilities, and by home health providers to prevent and treat pressure sores (bedsores) and to protect fragile skin. Common uses include:
- Wound Cleansers – Used to clean ulcers before dressing changes.
- Moisturizing Creams & Skin Protectants – To hydrate skin and prevent breakdown.
- Antimicrobial Gels & Ointments – To lower infection risk.
- Specialized Dressings – Designed to absorb drainage and create a healing environment.
- Nutritional Supplements – To support recovery since malnutrition slows wound healing.
In practice, a nurse may clean a pressure sore with a DermaRite cleanser, apply a protective gel, and then cover the wound with a DermaRite dressing. That means contamination in even one of these products can directly expose patients to harmful bacteria.
What Is B. cepacia and Why Is It Dangerous?
Burkholderia cepacia is a group of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that thrives in moist environments. It can enter the body through:
- Broken skin or wounds
- Inhalation of contaminated sprays or foams
- Cross-contamination in healthcare facilities
For immunocompromised patients, the risks are even greater. B. cepacia infections can lead to:
- Bloodstream infections (e.g., Septicemia)
- Pneumonia or other respiratory infections
- Septic shock requiring intensive care (sepsis)
- Widespread organ failure
- Wrongful death due to untreated infections
Because the bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics, treatment is difficult, and complications can be deadly.
Who Is at Risk for Injury from DermaRite Products?
The recall raises urgent concerns for several high-risk groups:
- Patients in hospitals and nursing facilities who were exposed to contaminated cleansing or sanitizing products.
- Immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, or those with chronic illness.
- Healthcare workers who may have been exposed while caring for patients.
- Home healthcare patients who use recalled products during personal care routines.
Timeline of the DermaRite Recall
- July 16, 2025 – Initial recall notice for antiseptic and cleansing products.
- August 8, 2025 – First major recall announcement of DermaKleen, DermaSarra, KleenFoam, and PeriGiene due to B. cepacia.
- August 27, 2025 – Recall expanded to include hand sanitizers, skin protectants, deodorants, and more.
- September 3, 2025 – Further expansion covering creams, sanitizers, and over 30 different product lines.
The full list of recalled products includes commonly used items such as cleansing foams, wash creams, lotions, ointments, and sanitizers.
“DermaRite products were trusted for healing and protection, not to put patients at greater risk. What makes this recall so alarming is that these products were marketed as safe for everyday use in hospitals, nursing homes, and even in people’s homes. For immunocompromised patients, exposure to this kind of contamination can be the difference between recovery and a life-threatening infection. Families deserve answers, accountability, and justice when companies fail to protect patient safety.”
Michael F. Bonamarte IV, Managing Partner at Levin & Perconti
Potential Legal Claims Against DermaRite
Individuals who have been harmed by contaminated DermaRite products may be eligible to pursue legal action, including claims for:
- Strict product liability: for selling a defective and dangerous product.
- Negligent manufacturing: for failures in safety and quality control.
- Breach of warranty claims: for failing to provide safe, usable products as promised.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with a B. cepacia infection after using a recalled DermaRite product, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages. Contact our team of experienced personal injury lawyers for more information about how to pursue legal action.
Evidence That Can Help Your Case
If you believe you or your loved one was harmed, it is important to preserve evidence, such as:
- Original containers with lot numbers and expiration dates
- Purchase receipts or invoices
- Photos of products before disposal
- Documentation of product use patterns, frequency, and any medical treatment
Legally Reviewed by
Bonamarte, IV
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Since 2005, Michael Bonamarte IV has been a passionate advocate for victims of negligent conduct, corporate malfeasance, and medical malpractice. He has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers’ Rising Star. He has presented for the American Association for Justice, the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group, the John Marshall Law School, and numerous other legal associations. He regularly lectures at Chicago-area aging organizations about nursing home abuse. His writings have been published by the American Bar Association, the Chicago Daily Bulletin, and numerous other prestigious publications.
Notable Results
for failure to properly read pap smears, resulting in the misdiagnosis of cervical cancer and eventual death of a 35-year-old mother of three children.
for failing to biopsy a known breast tumor, resulting in the delay of diagnosis of breast cancer, causing death.
for failing to perform an annual pelvic exam, which resulted in the untimely diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
How Levin & Perconti Can Help With Your DermaRite Claim
Levin & Perconti is nationally recognized for representing patients and families in complex product liability, nursing home, and catastrophic injury cases. We have decades of experience holding corporations accountable when negligence puts vulnerable lives at risk.
We have long fought for patients who suffered painful pressure sores caused by negligent healthcare providers. Now, we are also pursuing claims against DermaRite for patients who developed sepsis — a serious bloodstream infection that can cause lasting harm or death.
If you or a loved one developed a B. cepacia infection after using a recalled DermaRite product, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team will review your situation and help you understand your legal options.
Call Levin & Perconti at 312-332-2872 or fill out our online form to get started.
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