Prevalence and Impact of Dietary Avoidance among Individuals with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

Background: People with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are interested in dietary alterations to manage the condition. However, there are few data on the prevalence of this or the impact on HS activity. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and impact of dietary alterations made by people with HS. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to people with HS through multiple sources. Participants reported food alterations in the prior 6 months. ­Results: Overall, 242 complete surveys were included in this analysis; the mean age was 35.8 years, and most (87.5%) were women. The majority (75.8%, n = 182) altered at least one food from their diet. Within this group, 154 (84.6%) made changes to multiple food groups. The top 5 food groups that were altered were gluten (48.8%), dairy (44.2%), refined sugars (40.0%), tomatoes (36.7%), and alcohol (37.1%). Smoking was eliminated in 27.5% of participants. Some participants (30.9%) reported the change made the HS “much better.” Conclusions: Dietary alteration to manage HS was common among participants in this study. Some people reported improvement in HS activity, but some noted worsening. Additional research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of dietary alteration to manage HS and to better understand the underlying pathomechanisms.

Alleviating and exacerbating foods in hidradenitis suppurativa

“…A prior survey study of 242 participants reported that 75.6% of HS patients have practiced dietary alterations, with 30.9% reporting that HS was “much better” after implementing dietary changes 8 . In line with findings from this study, our study identified dairy as a commonly reported exacerbating food in HS 8 .…”

“…32.6% (n = 237/728) of participants identified exacerbating food; 12.0% (n = 89/744) of participants identified alleviating foods with findings from this study, our study identified dairy as a commonly reported exacerbating food in HS. 8 We also identified sweets, bread/ pasta/rice, and dairy as the most common dietary triggers, supporting prior hypotheses that the Western diet can worsen HS. 1 However, the impact of increasing intake of specific food groups in HS is less studied.…”

Dietary Intervention: An Essential Part of the Management of Patients Affected by Hidradenitis Suppurativa

“…In conclusion, in agreement with the study of Dempsey et al [1], we underline once again the role of dietary patterns in the management of HS patients, focusing in particular on bioelectrical impedance analysis parameters (PhA) and MD diet adherence as a potential tool in the therapeutic intervention and prognostic evaluation of HS.…”

“…We have read with great interest the article by Dempsey et al [1] (2019) who carried out a cross-sectional survey on dietary alterations made by patients affected by hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Their study highlights how avoidance of particular foods is a common management strategy attempted by HS patients [1].…”

The most recent advances in understanding and managing hidradenitis suppurativa

“…A significant portion of the participants (30.9%) reported the dietary change made the HS “much better”. In contrast, some participants did note worsening of their HS when dietary changes were made 24 .…”