DermaRite Lawsuit

Free Consultations for Victims of Burkholderia Cepacia Infection

If you or a loved one developed a serious illness after using a recalled DermaRite product, you may have grounds to file a DermaRite lawsuit. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents individuals harmed by dangerous products, including contaminated over-the-counter skincare items that have caused life-threatening infections. 

Our legal team is currently reviewing claims involving Burkholderia cepacia exposure linked to contaminated DermaRite products distributed nationwide. You don’t have to face this alone. Our product liability lawyers are here to help you seek justice.

What DermaRite Products Are Recalled?

DermaRite Industries LLC issued a voluntary nationwide recall after certain over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia. This dangerous bacterium can cause serious infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

These affected products were widely used by caregivers and healthcare workers in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care environments. Many were intended to help clean fragile skin, provide temporary relief from minor skin irritations, or decrease bacteria during personal care tasks such as changing diapers or assisting the ill.

Initial Recall: DermaKleen, DermaSarra, KleenFoam, and PeriGiene

The initial recall involved four specific products commonly used by healthcare providers and caregivers:

• DermaKleen is an OTC healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with vitamin E, indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.
• DermaSarra is an OTC external analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to dry skin, insect bites, detergents, or sunburn.
• KleenFoam is an OTC antimicrobial foam soap with aloe vera, indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after assisting ill people, or before contact with a person under medical care or treatment.
• PeriGiene is an OTC antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.

Expanded DermaRite Recall: 20+ Contaminated Products

Following additional testing, DermaRite Industries’ expanded recall included more than 20 additional products, such as OTC skin protectants, creams, and cleansers, including:

• 3-N-1: A rinse-free body wash, shampoo, and perineal cleanser with aloe vera, designed to moisturize and clean fragile skin.
• 4-N-1: A no-rinse cream used to help relieve chafed or cracked skin.
• Clean-N-Free, DermaRain, DermaVera, Renew Full Body Wash & Shampoo, TotalBath, TotalFoam, WhirlBath: Daily-use body washes and shampoos, often used for bed-bound patients.
• DermaCerin, DemaDaily, DermaVantage, LubriSilk, Renew Skin Repair: OTC products for dry skin and minor skin lesions, often containing vitamin E and other moisturizing ingredients.
• Lantiseptic, PeriGuard, Renew Dimethicone, Renew PeriProtect: Dimethicone skin protectants formulated to help with diaper rash, chafing, and wetness.
• DermaMed: Used for relief from skin irritations such as poison ivy or insect bites.
• UltraSure: An antiperspirant and deodorant formulated to reduce underarm wetness.
• Hand E Foam, Gel Rite, San-E-Foam: OTC antimicrobial foam soaps and hand sanitizers intended to decrease bacteria on the skin–used before patient care, after contact with ill people, or during medical care.
• DermaFungal: An OTC antifungal cream used for athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
• DemaKlenz: A non-rinse wound cleanser designed to remove debris from local infections.
• DermaSyn: A hydrogel wound dressing that helps maintain moisture and supports skin repair.

What Is B. Cepacia?

Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) is a group of bacteria known to cause serious infections, particularly in people with compromised immune systems or underlying lung conditions. 

It can spread through contaminated medical or personal care products and may lead to bloodstream infections, severe sepsis, or worsening respiratory symptoms. While it poses less risk to healthy individuals, it remains a serious health threat in healthcare settings.

What Legal Rights Do Victims Have?

If you or a loved one developed a severe infection after using a DermaRite product, you may have the right to pursue legal action.

Product Liability Claims Against DermaRite Industries LLC

Under Illinois law, manufacturers and distributors can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by unsafe products. Victims pursuing product liability claims do not need to prove intent–only that the product was defective, unreasonably dangerous, and caused harm when used as intended.

Negligence Claims

In addition to claims against the manufacturer, victims may also pursue negligence claims against healthcare workers or facilities that continued using products after the voluntary nationwide recall. Failing to remove contaminated products from use—especially when caring for immunocompromised patients—can result in serious harm.

What Damages Can Victims Injured by Recalled Products Recover?

Exposure to contaminated DermaRite products can result in serious health consequences, especially for immunocompromised patients. Victims diagnosed with a Burkholderia cepacia complex infection may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of losses. 

These include lost income, current and future medical expenses, including hospitalization for life-threatening infections leading to sepsis. If ongoing health issues develop—such as organ damage or chronic illness—those long-term care costs may also be recoverable, as well as pain and suffering.

In fatal cases, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for loss of financial support, emotional loss, funeral expenses, and related hardships. Whether you’re coping with long-term complications or grieving a preventable loss, our legal team can help you move forward. Legal action offers a way to seek accountability and support for recovery.

What to Do If Exposed to a Recalled DermaRite Product

If you or someone in your care may have used a DermaRite product, taking quick action can protect your health and support any legal claim:

• Stop using the product immediately and place it in a sealed container or bag to prevent further exposure.
• Document the product details, including the full name (e.g., DermaKleen, PeriGiene), lot number, expiration date, and where it was purchased or used.
• Seek medical attention right away, even if symptoms seem minor. A Burkholderia cepacia infection needs to be immediately examined, as early symptoms can worsen quickly, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
• Preserve the product and packaging. These may be critical in proving that you used a DermaRite product.
• Save receipts or proof of purchase, if available. This can help establish when and where the product was obtained.
• Contact a product liability attorney before speaking with insurers or the manufacturer. Our team offers a free case review to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

How Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Can Help

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers represents individuals and families harmed by dangerous products, including those involved in mass torts related to contaminated over-the-counter items like the ones named in the DermaRite recall. 

If you or a loved one developed a severe infection, sepsis, or another serious complication after using a contaminated product, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We assist clients with gathering and preserving necessary evidence, such as product packaging, medical records, and proof of purchase. 

We investigate how and where the DermaRite product was used, evaluate whether the exposure caused harm, and help build a legal claim against DermaRite or any other party who may have contributed to your injuries. If a loved one passed away, we can also pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members. 

FAQs

What should I do with the recalled products?

If you have a product named in the DermaRite recall, stop using it immediately and store it in a sealed container or bag. Do not throw it away. The product and its packaging may serve as substantial evidence in a potential claim. Keep any receipts or proof of purchase as well. If someone in your care used the product and became ill, contact a physician or healthcare provider and consider scheduling a consultation with one of our attorneys.

How do I report adverse reactions?

If you or a loved one experienced an adverse reaction after using DermaRite, the FDA encourages you to report it through the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

• Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
• Mail or Fax: Download a form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request one. Fax completed forms to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Your report helps health authorities track the spread of contaminated products and prevent further harm.

What evidence do I need to support my legal claim?

If you or a loved one was harmed by a DermaRite product, preserving the proper evidence is key to building a strong personal injury claim. Keep the original container with the lot number and expiration date, and take photos of the product before disposal. Hold onto receipts, invoices, or any proof of purchase, along with records showing how and when the product was used.

Medical records, hospital charts, and documentation of any treatment for a Burkholderia cepacia complex infection, life-threatening sepsis, or related condition can help establish the impact of exposure. In fatal cases, death certificates referencing sepsis or “B. cepacia” may be important. 

Other useful evidence includes facility product logs, lab cultures identifying the dangerous bacteria, and caregiver or witness notes. Our experienced attorneys can help preserve evidence, obtain additional documentation, and work with microbiology experts to link your illness to the contaminated product.

Who can file a claim for contaminated DermaRite products?

Anyone who used a contaminated product and suffered harm may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. This includes individuals who were directly exposed, as well as those who were injured while under the care of a physician or healthcare professional who used recalled products during treatment or hygiene routines.

In cases involving a fatality as a result of exposure to a contaminated product, a wrongful death lawyer can help family members seek compensation for the emotional and financial impact of losing a loved one.

How long do victims have to take legal action in Illinois?

Victims injured by DermaRite generally have two years to file a lawsuit under the Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202). The two-year period typically begins on the date the injury occurred or when it was reasonably discovered.

These limitations may vary depending on the circumstances, including delayed discovery or whether the claim involves a minor or someone under legal disability. It’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible, as failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

For fatal cases, the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/) also allows family members to file a wrongful death claim within two years of the date of death.

How much will an attorney cost?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent clients on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front–no hourly rates, no retainers, and no out-of-pocket legal fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf, either through a settlement or a trial verdict.

Book a Free Case Review

If you or someone you love was harmed after using a recalled DermaRite product, our Chicago personal injury lawyersare here to help. Whether you’re facing medical complications from a Burkholderia cepacia complex infection, recovering from a severe bloodstream infection, or exploring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a family member, you don’t have to handle it alone.

We offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal rights, preserve necessary evidence, and determine whether you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against DermaRite. There’s no cost to speak with us, and no obligation to move forward unless you choose to.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward holding the right parties accountable.