A shocking recall has rocked the skincare industry as DermaRite Industries announced that several batches of its DermaPhor Skin Protectant and related products have been contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia complex — a group of bacteria known to cause serious infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
The announcement came after multiple users posted alarming photos and videos online, showing severe skin reactions including swelling, blisters, and painful lesions. Some customers initially believed they were experiencing allergic reactions until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the contamination and issued an urgent recall warning.
“I thought it was just a breakout,” one woman shared in a viral TikTok post. “But it got worse every day — my face swelled, I couldn’t see out of one eye, and the doctors finally told me it was a bacterial infection.” Her emotional story, now viewed over five million times, has become a rallying point for others who claim they’ve suffered similar reactions.
The FDA’s official notice stated that the contamination was discovered during routine testing, which revealed the presence of Burkholderia cepacia in several lots of DermaRite products, including creams, lotions, and ointments distributed nationwide to hospitals, nursing homes, and retail stores. The bacteria, while relatively rare, can be dangerous if it enters open wounds or the bloodstream, especially for those with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis or compromised immune systems.
“Even healthy individuals can develop serious skin or respiratory infections if exposed,” said Dr. Karen Miles, an infectious disease specialist. “People need to stop using these products immediately and seek medical care if they experience symptoms such as redness, swelling, or unusual pain.”
The recall affects products sold between March and October 2025, and DermaRite has urged distributors and consumers to check their inventory for affected lot numbers. The company also stated it is cooperating fully with the FDA and launching an internal investigation to determine how the contamination occurred. “Patient safety is our top priority,” DermaRite said in a statement. “We are deeply sorry for the distress this has caused and are taking every measure to ensure this never happens again.”
Meanwhile, social media has exploded with outrage as users share before-and-after images of their skin, tagging the brand and demanding accountability. The hashtag #DermaRiteRecall has gained millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, with many calling for stronger safety regulations on over-the-counter skincare products.
Consumer advocates warn that this incident highlights a broader issue — insufficient oversight in the cosmetic and medical-grade skincare market. “Companies often market these products as ‘dermatologist approved’ or ‘hospital safe,’ but testing standards can vary,” said watchdog representative Laura King. “This recall shows why consumers must remain vigilant and why the FDA must increase enforcement.”
As investigations continue, affected customers are being urged to contact healthcare providers and report their cases to the FDA’s MedWatch program. For now, the disturbing images circulating online serve as a grim reminder that even trusted skincare products can harbor unseen dangers — and that one contaminated jar can have devastating consequences.
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