In 2005, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe brought us into the fantastical world of Narnia. Much like in the novels, the film’s stars journeyed to the magical land, joining forces with Aslan the lion against the evil White Witch. But since her time playing Lucy Pevensie in the film, actress Georgie Henley found herself in a new battle. This time, she faced a rare bacterial infection called necrotizing fasciitis.

According to an article from Jack Hobbs in the NY Post, Georgie, now 27 years old, recently opened up about her college experience with necrotizing fasciitis. She explained that she contracted the infection at age 18. At the time, Georgie had just started university. The infection significantly impacted her arm and hand. In fact, Georgie and her doctors had to discuss the possibility of amputating her left hand and arm. Ultimately, this was not necessary. However, Georgie did require multiple surgeries and reconstructions.

Her experience with necrotizing fasciitis left Georgie’s arm scarred. In an Instagram post about the topic, she explains that this caused immense stress – especially given her work as a professional actress. She shares that the acting business often requires aesthetic perfection. How would her scars fit in? For years, she has hidden her scars on set or when she thought she might be photographed.

But Georgie has recently come to terms with the fact that necrotizing fasciitis, and the resulting scars, do not define her. She may not be “perfect” – but perfection doesn’t really exist. Rather, by speaking up and sharing her story, Georgie hopes that others will also recognize the beauty in their own differences and imperfections.

About Necrotizing Fasciitis

As described above, necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection which can become life-threatening. In media stories, you may also hear necrotizing fasciitis referred to as “flesh-eating disease.” Necrotizing fasciitis occurs when certain bacteria enter the body and infect the tissue just below the skin (subcutaneous tissue). These bacteria may enter through surgical wounds, puncture wounds, cuts or scrapes, insect bites, burns, or even blunt force trauma injuries. Risk factors include diabetes, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and cancer. Because this infection can spread so quickly, early identification and treatment is crucial. Symptoms often advance rapidly. These include:

• Red, swollen skin that spreads quickly from the infection point
• Fever
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Sore throat
• Severe pain
• Ulcers or blisters that may ooze or pus
• Black spots on the skin or changes in skin color
• Shock (complication)
• Sepsis (complication)
• Organ failure (complication)

Treatment includes antibiotics, as well as surgical intervention to remove dead tissue from the body. Severe cases may require blood transfusions.