Research suggests that diet can reduce or worsen symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa. Learn more about what foods may trigger flare-ups and which may help lower inflammation.
Hidradenitis suppurativa, or acne inversa, is a chronic skin condition. It affects the areas of your body with sweat glands, such as your underarms. This condition can cause deep, inflamed skin lesions or sores that may look like boils.
Hidradenitis suppurativa usually develops after puberty and may be genetic. It is also more common in people with obesity. Research has shown that losing weight for people with obesity can significantly lower symptoms.
While there’s no cure for this condition, dietary measures may help soothe symptoms and prevent flare-ups. A doctor may also recommend treatments such as antibiotics, laser treatments, or surgery.
Certain dietary changes may significantly improve symptoms in some people with hidradenitis suppurativa. But it’s important to know that there’s currently no one diet recommended for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa.
Following a balanced diet to help lower skin flare-ups is similar to eating a balanced diet to prevent chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
The below foods may increase inflammation and lead to flare-ups in people with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Dairy
Milk and other dairy products may raise levels of certain hormones that lead to hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms.
Sugary foods
Sugary foods and refined, simple carbs can cause a spike in blood glucose.
According to
- high-fructose corn syrup
- soda and other sugary drinks like fruit juice
- bread, rice, or pasta made from white flour
- noodles
- biscuits and cookies
- cake, doughnuts, and pastries
- potato chips
Brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast may be a trigger for hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms. This may happen because the yeast causes a reaction in your immune system.
A
If you have hidradenitis suppurativa, you may want to check your food labels and avoid anything that may contain brewer’s yeast, including:
- beer
- wine
- fermented spreads
- some soy sauces
- some stock cubes
- some dried or canned soups
- some breads, cakes, and pizza
- some gravies and dips
- some vinegars and salad dressings
Some adults with hidradenitis suppurativa report good results on these diets. This may be because these diets restrict foods such as dairy and refined carbohydrates that are clinically shown to trigger symptoms.
Still, some diets can be overly restrictive, and there’s currently no scientific evidence that any one diet works for hidradenitis suppurativa.
What’s known is that following an anti-inflammatory diet — such as the Mediterranean diet — that’s high in antioxidant-rich foods is helpful in lowering symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa while improving overall health.
In fact, a
Overall, following a healthy diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and low in processed foods is likely to benefit people with hidradenitis suppurativa.
The below diets may help lower inflammation and improve hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms in some people.
Fiber-rich foods
Foods that are
Consider replacing simple, sugary carbohydrates with whole foods and complex carbohydrates, such as:
- fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables
- fresh and dried herbs
- beans
- brown rice
- barley
- oats
- couscous
- quinoa
Omega-3 fatty acids
Further research is needed to confirm the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for hidradenitis suppurativa, but these healthy fats are also good for your heart, blood vessels, and brain. Try adding them to your diet by eating:
- salmon
- sardines
- walnuts
- flaxseed and flaxseed oil
- avocados
- pumpkin seeds
- chia seeds
Supplements
Some research has shown that taking certain vitamin and mineral supplements may benefit people with hidradenitis suppurativa.
For example,
If you’re interested in supplements that may improve hidradenitis suppurativa and correct possible deficiencies, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about your options.
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about hidradenitis suppurativa.
What type of diet is best for people with hidradenitis suppurativa?
An anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, that’s high in antioxidant-rich foods may help lower symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa while improving overall health.
Additionally, some research suggests that taking certain vitamin and mineral supplements may benefit people with hidradenitis suppurativa. Speak with a healthcare professional about what supplements are right for you.
Are there any foods I should avoid if I have hidradenitis suppurativa?
Dairy, sugary foods, and brewer’s yeast may be triggers for some people with hidradenitis suppurativa. You may want to keep a food diary to track any potential triggers you may be eating.
Can I still eat sugar if I have hidradenitis suppurativa?
You can still enjoy sugar and other sweeteners in moderation. There’s no need to cut them from your diet completely if you have hidradenitis suppurativa.
Research suggests that diet can reduce or worsen symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa. Certain foods may trigger flare-ups, while others may help lower inflammation.
Further studies are needed on how diet may help treat hidradenitis suppurativa. An elimination diet can help you determine if a certain food triggers your condition.