DermaRite Expands Recall of Over 30 Personal Care Products Over Bacterial Risk

Lead: DermaRite Industries announced a voluntary nationwide recall today of more than 30 skin care and hygiene products after tests detected Burkholderia cepacia complex contamination in multiple lots sold across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Nut Graf: The recall affects cleansers, lotions, shampoos and sanitizers used in healthcare and consumer settings. The company urges users-especially caregivers and immunocompromised individuals-to immediately cease use, inspect inventory and follow disposal protocols to prevent potential infections.

Scope of Recall

DermaRite’s expanded recall, first initiated in mid-July and broadened in late August, now includes 32 over-the-counter items. Affected categories:

  • Body washes and no-rinse cleansers (e.g., 3-N-1, 4-N-1, Clean-N-Free)
  • Lotions and moisturizers (e.g., DermaCerin, DermaVera, Renew Skin Repair)
  • Antiseptics and sanitizers (e.g., Gel Rite, San-E-Foam, Hand E Foam)
  • Barrier creams and ointments (e.g., PeriGuard, Renew Periprotect)

Health Risk and Rationale

Burkholderia cepacia complex can cause serious respiratory and bloodstream infections, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. While healthy users may experience localized skin infections, vulnerable individuals risk life-threatening sepsis.

Company and Regulatory Actions

DermaRite Industries, headquartered in North Bergen, New Jersey, has notified distributors and healthcare facilities to quarantine and destroy all impacted products per facility guidelines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is overseeing the recall effort. Consumers with questions can contact Sedgwick at 1-888-943-5190 or email [email protected].

What Consumers Should Do

  • Stop using any recalled DermaRite products immediately.
  • Locate product names and lot numbers against the recall list on DermaRite.com.
  • Dispose of items following facility or local waste-management protocols.
  • Monitor for symptoms-fever, unusual fatigue, breathing difficulties-and seek medical attention if they arise.

Subhead: Full Recall List and Resources

DermaRite’s website hosts the complete list of all 32 products and lot numbers. Healthcare providers should review their inventories and notify patients accordingly.

Subhead: Past Incidents and Next Steps

This expansion builds on the initial August recall of hand soaps. DermaRite emphasizes ongoing commitment to product safety and is accelerating manufacturing review and enhanced microbial testing before resuming distribution.

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