The Association Between Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Diet: An Update

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful inflammatory lesions, predominantly affecting areas of the skin rich in apocrine glands, such as inguinal, axillary, submammary, and anogenital regions, with an estimated global prevalence between 1%-4%. The treatment of HS is challenging with various treatment modalities employed to control the disease. Since the condition is chronic and life-impairing, many patients have looked for ways to complement their conventional treatment procedures with non-medical interventions, among which dietary interventions have been of particular interest. Researchers have looked for ways to connect the gastrointestinal system with the skin through the ˝skin-gut axis concept˝ introducing a strong association between the microbiome of the gastrointestinal system and the skin. In addition, diet stimulation of insulin and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) may impact signaling pathways playing a role in HS pathogenesis. Patients have tried various dietary interventions to alleviate their symptoms of inflammation and suppuration. Among the different dietary approaches that have been described are paleo, autoimmune, Mediterranean, and elimination diet regimes. Dietary supplements have become the mainstay of lifestyle factors aimed at improving the clinical signs and symptoms of HS. This review aims to synthesize and present the current findings on diet as a modifiable factor in HS, helping the patients to navigate through the data and helping them make informed choices on their healthy lifestyles.