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IN-DEPTH REVIEW 
 

 

Nutrition Education Toolbox for Hidradenitis Suppurativa 
 
Jennifer M. Fernandez MD, RD1, Joi Lenczowski MD2, Jennifer L. Hsiao MD3, Vivian Y. Shi MD4 
 
1University of Arizona, College of Medicine; Tucson, AZ, USA 
2Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Dermatology, Richmond, VA, USA  
3University of California Los Angeles, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Los Angeles, CA, USA 
4University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Dermatology; Little Rock, AR, USA  
 

 

 
 

 
 
Background 
Emerging evidence suggests that diet 
influences hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) 
symptoms.1–4 Recent survey studies indicate 
that up to 90% of HS patients have attempted 
to manage HS through dietary changes, with 
up to 65% of patients reporting that dietary 
changes were beneficial.1,5 Price et al. 
identified dietary modification to be the most 
commonly self-employed complementary 
alternative medicine (CAM) intervention 
implemented by HS patients.5 Though 
current evidence supporting dietary 
recommendations in HS is low to moderate in 
quality,6 patients still frequently express 
interest in discussing dietary changes with 
their healthcare providers. However, 
providing nutrition education during clinic 

visits can be time consuming, and physicians 
may not feel equipped to do this. Referring 
patients to a registered dietitian (RD) for HS 
is often not feasible due to limited insurance 
coverage for nutrition visits. Though dietary 
changes are commonly implemented by HS 
patients, there is currently no comprehensive 
HS nutritional guide. Our goal is to provide 
practical, cost-conscious nutrition 
recommendations as an adjunct to 
conventional medical treatments for HS. 
Herein, we provide information in a handout 
that was developed with input from HS 
specialists, a registered dietitian, and a 
culinary specialist.  
 
Impact of diet  
The proposed mechanism of dietary 
involvement in HS is largely extrapolated 
from the literature on acne given the similar 
pathogenesis.7,8 Refined carbohydrates 

ABSTRACT 

Diet has been shown to influence disease activity in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Modification of 
dietary intake is the most commonly used lifestyle intervention in HS, and patients frequently report HS 
improvement after implementing dietary changes. Providing nutrition education may be perceived as 
not feasible within the time constraints of an outpatient office visit, and many physicians may also not 
feel equipped to do this. In addition, most insurances have limited coverage for nutrition visits. However, 
dietary changes may be employed as a low-cost adjunctive treatment option that can be combined with 
conventional medical treatment to mitigate HS symptoms. Though dietary modification has been 
increasingly recognized as a commonly used and influential factor in HS management, there is no 
comprehensive HS nutritional guide. Herein, we provide tools for both physicians and patients to 
facilitate evidence-based nutrition education in HS through collaboration with dermatologists 
specializing in HS, a registered dietitian, and a culinary specialist. 

INTRODUCTION 



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increase insulin levels, and dairy increases 
insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-
1).9,10 Subsequent hyperinsulinemia causes 
a nuclear androgen repressor, forkhead box 
protein O1 (FOXO1), to enter the cytoplasm, 
activating mTORC1 (the kinase mammalian 
target of rapamycin complex 1) signaling, 
leading to increased sebaceous lipogenesis 
and contributing to follicular occlusion.9,10 
Increased androgenic signaling due to 
exogenous hormones in dairy products and 
lack of nuclear androgen suppression with 
FOXO1 may increase the production of 
keratinocytes and induce subsequent 
follicular blockage in acne and HS.9 As such, 
it may be beneficial for patients to avoid dairy 
and refined carbohydrates.  
 
Additionally, hyperglycemia due to excessive 
carbohydrate consumption can increase 
circulating inflammatory cytokines.11–13 An 
imbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids 
can lead to production of prostaglandins, 
thromboxanes, and leukotrienes through the 
arachidonic acid pathway, and excessive 
saturated fat intake can have inflammatory 
effects by disrupting normal immune cell 
function.12,14,15 High salt intake can also alter 
immune activity and inhibit growth of 
beneficial bacteria that are part of a healthy 
gut microbiome.16,17 Dietary intake is 
immediately modifiable with minimal side 
effects, making diet an important target for 
disease management. Physicians should 
counsel patients that improvement in HS 
symptoms after dietary changes may take 
time and may require long-term dietary 
adjustments. Given this, dietary interventions 
may be more suitable for a more motivated 
subset of patients.    
 
Impact of weight, diabetes, and metabolic 
syndrome 
Obesity is associated with insulin resistance 
and chronic low-grade inflammation due to 
circulating cytokines such as tumor necrosis 

factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-6.18 The 
excessive adipocytes present with obesity 
can perpetuate production of inflammatory 
cytokines such as TNF that are also 
implicated in HS pathogenesis.19 Obesity 
correlates with increased HS disease 
severity and is commonly observed in HS 
patients.20 More than half of HS patients are 
either overweight (27%) or obese (36%).20 
Obesity likely contributes to increased HS 
severity through inducing inflammation and 
excessive friction.21 Weight loss of more than 
15% is associated with a clinically significant 
decrease in HS severity.22 Diabetes and 
metabolic syndrome can also accompany 
HS. Rates of diabetes mellitus in HS patients 
range from 5% to 20%,23 and approximately 
40% of HS patients have metabolic 
syndrome.24 Obesity and diabetes can both 
cause hyperinsulinemia, promoting 
excessive lipogenesis and contributing to 
follicular occlusion in HS.7  
 
Factors affecting food choices  
Many factors may contribute to food selection 
in HS patients, such as limited mobility which 
may affect the ability to go food shopping, low 
socioeconomic status (SES), unemployment, 
financial hardship, poor mental health, and 
cultural preferences. HS is associated with 
low SES and with high levels of anxiety, 
depression, and loneliness and low self-
esteem.25 Characteristic symptoms of HS 
including pain, malodorous discharge, and 
itch are major contributors to physical 
disability.26  
 

 
 
Research shows that several of the diets 
studied in HS may attenuate disease severity 
including the Mediterranean diet, a brewer’s 
yeast-free diet, and a dairy-free diet.7,27,28 
Sample nutrition handouts for HS patients 
incorporating recommendations based on 

NUTRITION RECOMMENDATIONS 
 



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these studies are provided in Figures 1, 2, 3, 
and 4.7,9,10,27–30 While daytime fasting over a 
prolonged period of time has been shown to 
decrease the number of abscesses and 
draining fistulas,3 persistent fasting is likely 
impractical for most patients. Thus, a well-
balanced diet with an appropriate caloric 
intake may serve as a better approach for HS 
patients.   
 
Foods to Avoid 
Yeast 
Diets restricting the intake of yeast have 
shown positive results in HS, including 
brewer’s yeast that leads to fermentation in 
alcohol and baker’s yeast that causes baked 
products to rise; these yeasts are each 
comprised of a different strain of 
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a single-celled 
fungal organism.4,28 In an initial study with a 
small cohort, twelve HS patients followed a 
wheat and brewer’s yeast-free diet for 12 
months after surgical excision of HS lesions 
and were instructed to avoid baked goods 
(such as pizza, cake, bread, etc.), vinegar, 
black tea, soy sauces, beer, wine, fermented 
cheese, and mushrooms.28 All 12 patients 
experienced regression of HS lesions, with 
immediate reappearance of lesions upon 
reintroduction of brewer’s yeast, beer, or 
wheat and subsequent disappearance of 
lesions after those agents were removed 
from the diet again.28 A larger follow up study 
evaluated 37 HS patients who followed a 
yeast-free diet for six years after excision of 
HS lesions, with 70% reporting improvement 
in HS symptoms without other accompanying 
treatment, and 87% reporting recurrence of 
HS symptoms within a few days after 
consuming a restricted food.4 Though the 
sample sizes in these studies are small and 
patients were also treated with surgery, the 
results after implementation of a yeast-free 
diet are promising.  
 
 

Carbohydrates 
Refined carbohydrates 
Refined carbohydrates can lead to 
hyperinsulinemia which may exacerbate 
follicular occlusion.9,10,31 Refined 
carbohydrates come from sweets, sugar-
containing beverages, many snack foods, 
and refined grains such as white rice, white 
bread, and pasta.  
 
Grains 
At least half of all grains consumed should be 
whole grains such as 100% whole wheat 
bread, whole-grain pasta, and brown rice.32  
 
Added sugars 
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 
recommended that less than 10% of daily 
calories come from added sugars, a major 
dietary source of refined carbohydrates.32 
Nearly 80% of added sugars are from 
beverages, snacks, and sweets,32 so 
replacing these items with healthier options 
may significantly decrease intake of added 
sugars. Sugar-sweetened beverages like 
soda, juice, and sports drinks contain calories 
but have minimal nutritional value. Fruit 
drinks are often thought of as a healthy 
option, but they frequently contain added 
sugar. If fruit juice is consumed, it should be 
“100% fruit juice”, and it should be consumed 
in limited quantities (4-6 oz/day).32 Low-
calorie beverages without added sugars 
should be encouraged. Seltzer water, with a 
splash of 100% juice, or club soda with 
wedges of lemons, limes, or oranges can be 
a refreshing alternative to traditional juices 
and sodas. Adding fresh fruit such as 
raspberries or vegetables such a sliced 
cucumber to water can also add a hint of 
flavor. Unsweetened tea is a healthier 
alternative for sweetened tea. 
 



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Figure 1. Nutrition handout with recommendations for anti-inflammatory 
foods, dairy intake, and healthy snack options. 

 

 
Figure 2. Nutrition handout with recommendations for carbohydrate intake. 

 



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Finding healthy and affordable snack options 
can be challenging, especially when. 
processed snacks, such as chips and 
cookies, are cheap and readily available 
 
Eating fruits or vegetables as a snack can 
help patients reach the recommended daily 
intake of these food groups. While nuts are 
high in calories, they provide a source of 
healthy, anti-inflammatory fats, and unsalted 
nuts in ¼ cup portions make travel-friendly 
and convenient snacks. Air-popped popcorn 
or whole grain crackers with almond butter 
are also healthy snack options. Cravings for 
sweet treats can be satisfied with healthier 
alternatives such as baked apple wedges, 
sautéed banana slices, pear slices sprinkled 
with crushed walnuts, fruit salads, or frozen 
fruit puree popsicles.  
 
Dairy   
Dairy is defined as products made from the 
fluid form of milk such as cheese, yogurt, and 
cottage cheese. Dairy products contribute 
many essential nutrients including calcium, 
vitamin D, and vitamin B12, among others.32 
In a cohort of 43 HS patients who followed a 
dairy-free diet, 83% improved.7 HS patients 
who eliminate dairy may consume 
inadequate amounts of calcium and may 
require supplementation. Other sources of 
dietary calcium include sardines and salmon, 
green leafy vegetables, soy products, beans, 
and nuts.29 Soy products such as soy cheese 
and soymilk, almond milk, and rice milk can 
serve as dairy alternatives.  
 
Foods to Consume 
Anti-inflammatory foods and the 
Mediterranean-style diet   
The Mediterranean diet and increased intake 
of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with 
lower HS severity scores.27 Currently, there 
is no clear definition of an anti-inflammatory 
diet. However, the Mediterranean diet is 
regarded as an anti-inflammatory diet and 

has been shown to decrease risk of cancer, 
cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, among 
other conditions.33 A Mediterranean-style diet 
is a plant-based diet high in fiber and omega-
3 fatty acids which have anti-inflammatory 
effects. It is characterized by an abundance 
of fruits and vegetables that contain 
polyphenols that counteract inflammation. 
Vegetables and fruits have a low caloric 
density and are high in fiber, both of which 
are important for weight control. 
Unfortunately, only about 20% of Americans 
consume the recommended amount of fruits 
and vegetables.32 
 
Major protein sources in the Mediterranean 
diet include fish, nuts, and beans while 
animal proteins such as red meat and dairy 
are consumed in limited quantities. Olive oil 
is the principal source of fat; saturated fat is 
limited. In addition, whole grains are 
emphasized over refined carbohydrates. 
Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, or tuna are 
high in omega-3 fatty acids and should be 
consumed two times per week.  
 
Other Considerations 
Portion sizes 
Excessive portion sizes can contribute to 
overconsumption of calories, leading to 
obesity. Serving sizes vary based on whether 
a food is cooked (takes up less space) or raw. 
Serving sizes also vary for different food 
groups.32 For vegetables, one serving is 
typically ½ cup of cooked vegetables or 1 cup 
raw. A serving of fruit is  ½ cup chopped fruit, 
one small fist-sized piece of fruit, or ¼ cup 
dried fruit. A serving of meat is typically 3-4 
oz. A portion of dairy is 1 cup of milk or yogurt 
or 1.5 oz of cheese. While measuring cups 
and scales may be the most accurate way to 
measure foods, patients may find it more  



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Figure 3. Nutrition handout with general tips for healthful eating and portion 
sizes. 

 

 
Figure 4. Nutrition handout with tips for eating out. 



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practical to use parts of the hand (such as 
fingertip, palm, and clenched fist) to estimate 
portion sizes (Figure 3).  
 
Recommendations for eating out 
While eating out can be a fun social 
experience, portions can be excessive, and 
food is often high in fat and sodium. To limit 
excess calories, fat, and sodium, encourage 
patients to order from the lunch menu as 
portions tend to be smaller and cheaper than 
the dinner menu. Ask for sauce on the side or 
no sauce as sauce can often be high in 
saturated fats. To avoid eating extremely 
large portions, patients may consider splitting 
an entrée. Alternatively, requesting a to-go 
container when the order is placed and 
putting half of the food in the container before 
eating can help limit excessive consumption. 
Avoid buffets as portion control is extremely 
challenging in this setting. Choose water 
rather than juice, soda, or alcohol to curb cost 
and calories.  
 
Food assistance options 
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 
(SNAP), formerly called the Food Stamp 
Program, is a government assistance 
program that distributes benefits monthly 
onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) 
card which can be used like a debit card.34 It 
can be used at various grocery stores, dollar 
stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and 
big-box stores (such as Walmart and Target), 
among others.34 EBT cards allow purchase of 
fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy, 
breads, and cereals, and other items.34 They 
cannot be used for alcohol or prepared or hot 
foods. Food pantries and food banks are also 
sources of food distribution, and information 
about location of food pantries can be found 
at https://www.foodpantries.org/. As some 
patients may not have access to the internet, 
physicians may consider providing paper 
handouts. Using coupons can also help save 
money. Community Supported Agriculture 

(CSA) programs are subscription-based 
programs that local farmers participate in, 
where consumers who purchase a 
subscription receive a box of produce and 
other farm goods such as eggs or meat 
several times per month.  
 
Insurance coverage 
Approximately a third (31.5%) of HS patients 
are insured by either Medicare or Medicaid, 
which is a significantly higher proportion than 
age-matched controls.35 For those with 
diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare Part B 
covers up to three visits per year with a 
registered dietitian,36 and this can be 
considered for motivated patients who meet 
criteria. Medicaid nutrition benefits vary by 
state, and states are not required by the 
federal government to provide Medical 
Nutrition Therapy (MNT) benefits, although 
about half of states offer some nutrition 
services benefits.37 Coverage for nutrition 
visits with private insurances can vary 
greatly, so patients should be encouraged to 
contact their insurance provider to inquire 
about coverage. Once insurance coverage 
for MNT is established, the website hosted by 
the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics can 
assist physicians and patients with finding a 
registered dietitian in their area 
(https://www.eatright.org/find-an-expert).  
 

 
 
More research is needed regarding the 
mechanism of diet in HS, but these studies 
are difficult to conduct given the unique 
dietary needs, preferences, and culinary and 
cultural practices of each individual. These 
studies may also require participation for an 
extended duration to adequately evaluate the 
impact of dietary modifications, which is 
further complicated by a high risk of poor 
dietary adherence. The benefit of restricting 
total caloric intake versus restricting specific 

CONCLUSION 

https://www.foodpantries.org/
https://www.eatright.org/find-an-expert


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food groups or ingredients in HS is largely 
unknown, and specific dietary guidelines for 
HS are lacking. Nutrigenetics and 
nutrigenomics are at the forefront of applied 
nutrition research and can be incorporated 
into future diet-related investigations for HS 
patients.  
 
Clinic visits between patients and 
dermatologists can often be limited by time 
constraints, and nutrition counseling from an 
RD is often not covered by insurance, so 
providing nutrition education to patients can 
be challenging. However, efforts should be 
made by HS physicians to address diet as 
part of their treatment plan. A healthy and 
well-balanced diet should be the foundation 
of dietary counseling. Recommendations 
should be tailored to patients of varying SES 
with consideration of cultural preferences, 
food costs, access, and preparation time. In 
addition, being mindful of eating behaviors 
and recognizing the tendency to eat when 
under stress, or as a response to other 
emotions, can help prevent unnecessary 
calorie consumption. These strategies can be 
incorporated into comprehensive treatment 
plans to both help manage HS symptoms and 
to promote overall health.  
 
Conflict of Interest Disclosures: VYS is on the 
Board of Directors for the Hidradenitis Suppurativa 
Foundation, is a stock shareholder of Learn Health 
and has served as an advisory board member, 
investigator, and/or received research funding from 
Sanofi Genzyme, Regeneron, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, 
Novartis, SUN Pharma, LEO Pharma, Pfizer, Menlo 
Therapeutics, Burt’s Bees, Galderma, Altus Lab, 
GpSkin and Skin Actives Scientific. JLH has served as 
an advisor for Novartis. There were no incentives or 
transactions, financial or otherwise, relevant to this 
manuscript. 
 
Jennifer M. Fernandez and Joi Lenczowski have no 
conflicts of interest.   
 
Funding: None 
 
 
 

Corresponding Author: 
Vivian Y. Shi, MD  
Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology 
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences  
4301 West Markham, Slot 576 
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 
Phone: 501-686-5110 
Email: vivian.shi.publications@gmail.com  

 
 
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