DermaRite Industries Expands Voluntary Recall Over Sepsis Risk

DermaRite Industries has expanded its voluntary nationwide recall today of more than 30 over-the-counter skin care and hygiene products after detecting potential contamination with Burkholderia cepacia complex, which can cause life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Recall Scope and Rationale The expanded recall, conducted in coordination with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, follows testing that identified B. cepacia in various creams, soaps and sanitizers distributed across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Health officials warn the bacteria can lead to local infections in healthy users with minor skin breaks and severe sepsis if it enters the bloodstream of vulnerable patients.

Recall Expansion

DermaRite first initiated a limited recall of select hand soaps in July 2025. As of today, products added include body washes, lotions, shampoos, antifungal creams and deodorants. The company has notified distributors and major retailers-such as Amazon, Walmart and Target-to immediately quarantine and destroy all affected inventory.

Health Risks

  • Burkholderia cepacia complex poses low risk to healthy individuals but can cause serious respiratory and bloodstream infections in people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease.
  • Infections may progress to sepsis, requiring hospitalization and intensive care.

Affected Products

Key items in the expanded recall include:

  • 4-N-1 No-Rinse Wash Cream
  • DermaCerin Moisturizing Cream
  • DermaFungal Antifungal Cream
  • DermaKleen Antiseptic Lotion Soap
  • Gel Rite Instant Hand Sanitizer
  • Hand E Foam Foaming Hand Sanitizer
  • KleenFoam Antimicrobial Foam Soap
  • PeriGiene Antiseptic Cleanser
  • UltraSure Antiperspirant and Deodorant

(Full list of lot and item numbers available on DermaRite’s website.)

Consumer Guidance

Consumers and healthcare facilities should stop using recalled products immediately. For questions or product verification, contact Sedgwick at 888-943-5190 (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. EST) or email [email protected]. Adverse events may be reported via the FDA’s MedWatch program online or by mail.

Healthcare providers are advised to monitor patients who have used any recalled items, particularly those with weakened immune systems, for signs of infection and sepsis.