Miley Cyrus' Mystifying Illness Leaves Medical Professionals Pondering Underlying Issue
In a chat with Jimmy Kimmel last Thursday, pop sensation Miley Cyrus revealed a terrifying incident that occurred during the filming of her Something Beautiful visual album in 2024. The singer shared how she ended up in the ICU, dealing with an infection that started to disintegrate her leg around the kneecap area.
Although the specifics of her illness weren't disclosed, Cyrus suspected an environmental bacterial contamination from contact with urban surfaces.
Image credits: Jimmy Kimmel Live
Experts weigh in
Emergency medicine physician Dr. Ken Perry, based in Charleston, South Carolina, stated that the singer's symptoms matched those of a common bacterial skin infection. "Most patients contract these infections from open wounds or breaches in the skin barrier," he said.
According to Perry, even minor abrasions can set the stage for bacteria to spread when they come into contact with heavily trafficked public areas. The foot traffic could easily expose an individual to harmful bacteria.
Image credits: Jimmy Kimmel Live
Doctors suspect infection by typical bacteria like Streptococcus or Staphylococcus
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, told the New York Post that Cyrus likely picked up a typical skin infection, caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus.
Given Cyrus' description of the infection, which "disintegrated" her leg, the two most likely culprits are ecthyma and impetigo.
Image credits: Miley Cyrus
Ecthyma is a bacterial skin infection that initially presents as small ulcers that penetrate the skin, eventually forming thick, dark crusts. These lesions can be painful and slow to heal, often appearing on the legs or buttocks.
Impetigo, on the other hand, is a more superficial skin infection, also caused by both Streptococcus or Staphylococcus. It begins as red sores or blisters, usually near the nose or mouth. These sores rupture easily and leave behind yellow or honey-colored crusts. Although milder than ecthyma, impetigo is highly contagious.
Image credits: Miley Cyrus
Cyrus successfully resumes work and performances
Dr. Perry emphasized the importance of detecting an infection early for a faster and less painful recovery. "If an individual has a cut or some break in the skin, it is best to keep it covered, especially when out in public," he advised.
Image credits: mileycyrus
Despite the traumatic experience, Cyrus has returned to performing. She recently appeared in Los Angeles for the release of her album Something Beautiful, leaving fans flooded with nostalgia as she sang The Climb - a hit from her Hannah Montana days - for the first time in years.
"Begging for an infection" : Social Media reaction
Netizens took to social media to share their thoughts on Cyrus' anecdote.
Do you believe environmental contamination from public surfaces is a common risk for infections like Miley's?
Yes, it's a significant risk
Occasionally, depending on exposure
Rarely, it's usually something else
Not at all, infections come from other causes
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Enrichment Data:
Bacterial skin infections, such as the one reportedly experienced by Miley Cyrus after an unusual exposure (like rolling on the Hollywood Walk of Fame), typically occur when bacteria enter the skin through breaks or wounds. Here are the common causes and symptoms based on current medical understanding.
Common Causes
- Skin Breaks
- Pre-existing Skin Conditions
- Weakened Immune System
- Chronic Swelling or Edema
- Poor Hygiene or Environmental Exposure
- Obesity
The most common bacteria causing skin infections are Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus).
Typical Symptoms
- Redness and Swelling
- Pain or Tenderness
- Heat
- Pus or Drainage
- Fever
- Spreading Redness
These infections can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the lower legs and areas prone to cuts or abrasions. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent complications.
Miley Cyrus' horrifying experience with a skin infection raises concerns about the risk of bacterial skin infections from public surfaces. Experts suspect that the infection might have been caused by typical bacteria like Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, with ecthyma or impetigo being possible diagnoses. To prevent such infections, it's advisable to keep covered any cuts or breaks in the skin, especially when out in public.
