What is the flesh-eating bacteria that nearly killed Barry Keoghan?
Barry Keoghan has revealed that he could have died after his arm became infected with a flesh-eating bacteria after a "disagreement in a pub".
In an appearance on Louis Theroux’s podcast, the 32-year-old Saltburn star said doctors told him he could die from the infection or have his arm amputated.
Keoghan’s arm became infected with necrotising fasciitis after he was hit with a bottle in a pub and wounded. He told Theroux it was "quite a scary experience" and he nearly missed out on his role in The Banshees of Inisherin - for which he won a Bafta and was shortlisted for an Oscar.
"I remember [director] Mark McDonagh coming to the hospital to visit me and being like, ‘Are you still able to do this movie?’ And I just had surgery. They wanted to amputate the arm," Keoghan recalled.
"They were telling me if we don’t catch it, there’s a chance you could possibly die… It was a tough time."
He added that he hasn’t "really dealt with" the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that came with being told he could lose his arm or die. "Not to put a drama on it or a pity party on it, but it’s quite serious… I just kind of put it to the back [of my mind]."
What is necrotising fasciitis?
Necrotising fasciitis, also known as the ‘flesh-eating disease’, according to the NHS, is a rare and life-threatening infection.
The infection occurs when certain bacteria gain access to the body through damage to the skin, via wounds like cuts and scratches, but also through burns and scalds, insect bits, surgery, and injecting drugs.
Several different types of bacteria can cause it, including group A streptococci, which usually causes tonsillitis, and Clostridium perfringens, which can cause food poisoning.
Symptoms of necrotising fasciitis
Patients who become infected with necrotising fasciitis usually see symptoms developing very quickly within hours, but they can also develop over a few days.
In the early stages of infection, you may experience:
Intense pain or loss of feeling near a cut or wound - the pain may seem much worse than you would usually expect
Swelling of the skin around the affected area
Flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headache and tiredness
Later on, symptoms can include:
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Confusion
Black, purple or grey blotches and blisters on the skin
Describing his experience, Keoghan said he went to get stitches for the cut he sustained from getting hit with a bottle, but realised his arm had started to swell. Later, he said blisters began to form and spread up his arm.
Watch: Saltburn star Barry Keoghan spotted filming advert in Manchester
How is necrotising fasciitis treated?
The infection must be treated in hospital as soon as possible, as it can quickly worsen and become fatal.
If you have symptoms of necrotising fasciitis, you should call 999 and ask for an ambulance or get someone to drive you to A&E.
Treatment usually includes antibiotics and surgery to remove the affected area. Sometimes amputation of the affected limbs might be necessary, and you may need further surgery and physiotherapy to help you recover.
Read more about health and wellness:
These parts of your home that could have more bacteria than a toilet seat - and what to do about it (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Wild swimming can expose you to many bacteria and viruses – here’s how to keep yourself safe (The Conversation, 4-min read)
Fusobacterium: Bacteria commonly found in mouth can make some cancer cells 'melt', say scientists (Sky News, 2-min read)
