Life-Threatening Recall Affects Health Care Providers Across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin

Healthcare facilities across the Tri-State area are being urged to check their shelves after a major recall of common medical-use soaps, creams, and cleansers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, that DermaRite Industries is voluntarily recalling specific lots of four popular products due to potential contamination with Burkholderia cepacia. Burkholderia is a group of bacteria that can cause serious, even life-threatening infections in vulnerable patients. It's even worse when you think of doctors using these products before performing a surgery or other internal procedure.

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The affected products are:

• DermaKleen antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E
• DermaSarra external analgesic cream for itchy or irritated skin
• KleenFoam antimicrobial foam soap with aloe
• PeriGiene antiseptic perineal cleanser

These items are widely used in hospitals, nursing homes, and other care settings across the nation to reduce bacteria and maintain hygiene. Unfortunately, the bacteria found in these products are known for being resistant to many antibiotics and are extremely dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, cystic fibrosis, or chronic lung disease.

According to the FDA, healthy people using the contaminated products on minor skin breaks may even develop some localized infections. However, in immunocompromised patients, the infection could spread to the bloodstream and lead to sepsis, which can be fatal. No injuries or illnesses have been reported so far.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide, including across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Healthcare providers are advised to immediately inspect their inventories, stop using any recalled lots, and dispose of them correctly.

Questions about the recall can be directed to DermaRite at 973-569-9000 or voluntary.action@dermarite.com. Anyone who believes they’ve experienced an adverse reaction should contact a healthcare provider and report the event to the FDA’s MedWatch program.

The FDA stresses that while Burkholderia cepacia poses little threat to healthy people, strict precautions are essential in medical environments where patients’ immune systems are more compromised. In this case, rapid product removal is the safest course of action for doctors, nurses, and their patients.