Las Vegas, NV (August 13th, 2025) – A nationwide recall of DermaRite hand soaps and personal care products is raising alarms for Las Vegas residents. Multiple products, including DermaKleen lotion soaps, KleenFoam foaming soaps, DermaSarra anti-itch lotion, and PeriGiene antiseptic spray, were found to be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia, a bacterium that can cause serious infections.
According to the recall alert issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), healthy users may experience minor skin effects. Individuals with weakened immune systems, however, are at risk for life-threatening complications like sepsis. Beyond the immediate health concerns, affected consumers may have legal options under Nevada product liability law. Acting quickly to monitor for symptoms and seek legal counsel can protect both your health and your right to pursue compensation.
At George Bochanis Injury Law Offices, we keep a close eye on product recalls and safety alerts to protect Nevadans from potential harm. If you or a loved one has experienced health issues after using recalled DermaRite hand soaps, you may have a valid product liability claim. For a free consultation to explore your options, contact our offices today at 702-388-2005.
Understanding the Risk of Contamination
Burkholderia cepacia is a resilient, waterborne bacterium that can survive in water-based solutions for long periods. Its presence in hand soaps is particularly concerning because it can infect individuals through broken skin or compromised immune systems. Healthcare and caregiving facilities are especially vulnerable, as a single contaminated product can expose multiple residents or patients in a short time. Swift awareness and action are essential for both individuals and institutions.
Health Risks from Exposure to Burkholderia Cepacia
Exposure to Burkholderia cepacia through contaminated hand soaps and skincare products can produce a range of health effects. Healthy individuals may experience minor skin irritation, redness, or localized infections, particularly if the product contacts cuts or abrasions. These issues are generally treatable with standard hygiene measures.
Immunocompromised individuals, including patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or those with chronic illnesses, face far greater risks. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing systemic infections and sepsis, a life-threatening condition marked by widespread inflammation, organ dysfunction, and possible fatality if untreated.
Other complications include:
- Respiratory infections for those with pre-existing lung conditions
- Long-term antibiotic treatments for persistent or recurrent infections
- Hospitalization for severe cases, including intravenous antibiotics and intensive care
- Monitoring for secondary complications affecting organs such as the kidneys or liver
Even those who do not develop severe symptoms may become more susceptible to other infections or experience worsened outcomes from existing conditions. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical care are critical to reducing these risks.
Why Las Vegas Consumers Should Pay Attention
Las Vegas has a high population of seniors, medically vulnerable individuals, and patients in rehabilitation centers or hospitals. The recall is particularly relevant in these settings because a contaminated product can affect dozens of people. Nevada law allows injured consumers to pursue compensation when a defective product causes harm.
Regulatory Oversight and Manufacturer Responsibility
The DermaRite recall highlights the critical role of regulatory oversight in maintaining public safety. The FDA routinely monitors consumer products for contamination risks, and recalls like this serve as a reminder that manufacturers are legally required to adhere to strict safety standards. When a company fails to properly test or ensure the sterility of water-based products, it may be found liable under Nevada’s product liability laws. Manufacturers must design, produce, and distribute products in a manner that minimizes foreseeable risks, particularly for items intended for personal care and healthcare settings.
Product liability claims in Nevada often rely on proving that a defect, whether in manufacturing, design, or labeling, directly caused harm. In cases involving contamination, courts examine whether the manufacturer exercised reasonable care in sourcing ingredients, conducting microbial testing, and providing adequate warnings. Evidence such as lab reports, recall notices, and medical records can be instrumental in establishing a link between exposure and injury.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations and Institutions
The potential for widespread exposure makes this recall particularly significant for hospitals, long-term care facilities, and senior living communities in Las Vegas. A single contaminated batch can affect multiple patients, amplifying both the health risks and the legal stakes. Institutional use of these products may also trigger liability claims beyond individual cases, including claims for organizational negligence if the facility failed to act promptly upon learning of the contamination.
Legal Recourse for Injured Consumers
Residents who experience illness or complications after using recalled DermaRite products may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and, in severe cases, long-term health impacts. Evidence is critical to any product liability case. Keeping the product, medical documentation, and proof of purchase can strengthen your claim.
Experienced Las Vegas product liability attorneys can help trace supply chains, consult medical experts, and build a strong case against manufacturers who failed to ensure product safety.
Acting Quickly Protects Your Rights
Nevada law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims involving defective products. Acting promptly ensures your right to seek damages is preserved. Legal guidance can help determine whether to pursue an individual claim or participate in a multi-party action, both of which are available under Nevada law. The ultimate goal is to hold manufacturers accountable and secure the compensation victims deserve.
Protect Your Health and Legal Rights After the DermaRite Hand Soap Recall in Las Vegas
The DermaRite hand soap recall underscores that even everyday products can pose serious risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Las Vegas residents who have used these products should act quickly to protect their health by monitoring for symptoms and seeking medical care if necessary. Understanding your legal rights is equally important.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to these contaminated products, don’t wait. Contact George Bochanis Injury Law Offices today at 702-388-2005 for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Taking prompt action helps safeguard both your health and your right to pursue compensation.
