What Are the Risk Factors for Necrotizing Fasciitis and How Is Necrotizing Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Various studies show that necrotizing fasciitis can occur in people who are perfectly healthy, but it is rare. However, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition if you have a health problem that weakens the immune system, like diabetes [6] or cancer.
Other people who are more susceptible to developing necrotizing fasciitis include:
- People with chronic heart or lung disease
- People who take steroids
- People who have skin lesions
- People who consume excess alcohol or inject drugs
Aside from looking at your skin, your doctor may decide to perform multiple tests to identify necrotizing fasciitis. Your doctor may also recommend biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the affected skin tissue for evaluation.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend CT, MRI, or blood tests to diagnose the condition. Blood tests can tell if your muscles have been infected.