Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips for Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa Symptoms

Understanding Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term skin condition characterized by small, painful lumps under the skin. These lumps typically develop where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Over time, the lumps may break open and smell. HS is thought to be caused by a dysfunction in the immune system and genetics may also play a role.

Living with HS can be challenging both physically and emotionally. The constant pain and drainage can make daily activities difficult. Furthermore, the location of HS lumps in sensitive areas can cause embarrassment. Having an understanding and supportive community is important for people living with this condition.

Common Symptoms

Some common symptoms of HS include:

• Painful lumps under the skin, typically in areas where skin rubs together
• Boils or abscesses that may leak pus or blood
• Scarring and skin hardening in affected areas
• Foul odor coming from affected skin areas
• Difficulty moving affected body parts

Triggers for Flare-Ups

While the exact cause of HS is unknown, the following factors may trigger or worsen flare-ups for some people:

• Friction from skin rubbing together
• Heat and sweat
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Some medications
• Smoking
• Poor diet

Potential Benefits of an HS Diet

While no specific "HS diet" has been scientifically proven to treat the condition, many people with HS find that making dietary changes helps improve their symptoms. Paying attention to nutrition may help in the following ways:

1. Reducing Inflammation

HS is essentially inflammation and infection occurring under the skin. Following an anti-inflammatory diet rich in plants, healthy fats, and antioxidants may help reduce swelling and discomfort.

2. Supporting Immune Function

Since HS is linked to immune system dysfunction, ensuring adequate intake of immune-supporting nutrients like zinc and vitamins A, C, D and E may be beneficial.

3. Avoiding Dietary Triggers

For some individuals, certain foods seem to trigger HS flares. These triggers vary by person but often include dairy, gluten, nightshades, eggs or nuts. An elimination diet can help determine your unique trigger foods.

4. Achieving a Healthy Weight

Obesity and being overweight are associated with both the risk and severity of hidradenitis suppurativa. Losing excess body fat may therefore help reduce HS symptoms over the long term.

5. Supporting Gut Health

Emerging research suggests a connection between the health of your gastrointestinal tract and immune disorders like HS. Supporting a healthy gut microbiome with prebiotic and probiotic foods could be beneficial.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet for HS

An anti-inflammatory diet centered around whole, nutrient-dense foods may help manage HS by reducing systemic inflammation and supporting immune function. Key elements include:

Emphasize Plants

Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, beans, lentils, whole grains and nuts/seeds. These provide antioxidants, fiber and beneficial plant compounds that fight inflammation.

Choose Healthy Fats

Include oily fish, avocados, olive oil, walnuts and flaxseeds for their anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid processed and hydrogenated oils.

Embrace Fermented Foods

Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and yogurt provide probiotics to populate your gut with beneficial bacteria that influence immune function.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Dehydration can worsen inflammation. Herbal teas are a great anti-inflammatory choice.

Add Anti-Inflammatory Herbs/Spices

Season your cooking liberally with ginger, turmeric, garlic, cayenne, cinnamon, rosemary and thyme to ramp up antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Avoid Pro-Inflammatory Foods

Limit or avoid alcohol, processed meat, sweets, refined carbs, fried foods and soda as these tend to promote inflammation.

Foods to Eat

Focusing on incorporating the following anti-inflammatory, immune-supporting foods into your diet may be helpful for managing HS symptoms:

Vegetables

Aim for a rainbow of veggies to obtain a diversity of nutrients and antioxidants. Especially beneficial options include leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, mushrooms and alliums like garlic and onions.

Fruit

Enjoy a variety of fresh fruits, especially deeply colored berries which are packed with antioxidants. Be mindful of avoiding excessive fructose from fruit if you have trouble losing weight.

Herbs and Spices

Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, rosemary, oregano and thyme have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Work them into dishes or smoothies.

Healthy Fats

Focus on omega-3 rich foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts and flaxseed. Avocados and extra virgin olive oil also have anti-inflammatory benefits.

Fermented Foods

Add yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, pickles or kimchi to provide gut-healthy probiotic bacteria that support your immune system.

Ancient Grains

Choose less-refined whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat which provide antioxidants, fiber and protein.

Legumes

Kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils and other beans give a nutritional boost of plant-based protein, minerals, B vitamins and fiber.

Green Tea

Sip on steeped green tea, which contains anti-inflammatory polyphenols called EGCG that may help regulate the immune system. Avoid adding sugar.

Foods to Avoid or Limit

On the other hand, reducing intake of the following foods associated with inflammation or HS flares may also be beneficial:

Dairy

High fat dairy products like milk, cheese and butter can be inflammatory. Limit them or stick to non-dairy alternatives.

Gluten

About 20% of people with HS show gluten sensitivity or celiac disease antibodies. Try eliminating gluten from wheat, barley and rye.

Nightshade Vegetables

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and white potatoes contain solanine alkaloids that may trigger inflammation and HS flares in some people.

High Glycemic Foods

Limit sugary foods, refined grains and starchy vegetables to avoid spikes in blood sugar that initiate inflammatory pathways.

Fried Food and Hydrogenated Oils

Avoid commercially fried foods and baked goods made with unhealthy vegetable oils that drive oxidative stress and inflammation.

Alcohol

Reduce or eliminate alcohol, especially beer and grain-based liquor, as alcohol raises inflammation and may interact with medications.

Processed Meats

Red or cured meat containing sodium nitrate/nitrite preservatives promote inflammatory conditions and should be avoided.

Other Tips for Managing HS with Diet

Aside from meal composition, the following dietary strategies may also be helpful for keeping HS symptoms under control:

Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 64 oz. of water per day, plus herbal tea. Proper hydration reduces inflammation and helps remove waste.

Try Intermittent Fasting

Fasting techniques can reduce inflammation and improve gut health. Try fasting 14-16 hours overnight with an early dinner or skip a meal 1-2 days per week.

Stop Smoking

Smoking makes symptoms dramatically worse for most. Quitting can be extremely beneficial if you smoke, so get support to stop.

Manage Stress

Find healthy ways to cope with emotional and psychological stress, which can trigger inflammatory flare-ups.

Achieve/Maintain Healthy Weight

Work with your doctor to reach and preserve a healthy body mass index through diet and exercise if needed. Obesity makes HS worse.

Keep Food Journal

Record your food intake along with symptoms to uncover possible dietary triggers unique to you so you can eliminate them.

See Registered Dietitian

Consult a registered dietitian knowledgeable in HS or autoimmune conditions to help personalize an anti-inflammatory diet for your needs.

The Bottom Line

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex chronic inflammatory skin disorder with no definite cure. While dietary changes alone cannot treat HS, following an anti-inflammatory diet tailored to your body and avoiding potential trigger foods may help control symptoms.

Work with your dermatologist and registered dietitian to develop a personalized nutrition plan to support your body and promote skin health if living with HS.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.