Alleviating and exacerbating foods in hidradenitis suppurativa

Background While dietary triggers have been investigated in acne and other inflammatory follicular dermatoses, there is a paucity of data on diet and HS. We sought to identify exacerbating and alleviating foods in HS patients. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed via HS Facebook support groups and in person at HS specialty clinics. Participants were asked to select all that apply from a list to indicate foods that worsen and make HS better including sweet foods, breads and pasta, red meat, chicken, fish, canned foods, fruits, vegetables, dairy, high-fat foods, I do not know, and no. Results Only 12.0% (n=89/744) identified alleviating foods while 32.6% (n=237/728) identified HS-symptom-exacerbating foods. The most commonly reported exacerbating foods were sweets (67.9%), bread/pasta/rice (51.1%), dairy (50.6%), and high-fat foods (44.2%). The most commonly reported alleviating foods included vegetables (78.7%), fruit (56.2%), chicken (51.7%), and fish (42.7%). Conclusion Further studies are required to evaluate the mechanistic links between diet and HS. HS patients may benefit from receiving dietary counseling as part of a comprehensive HS management plan. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.