Diet For Suppurative Hydradenitis

Healthy diets are the best allies for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. So why not consider the diet for suppurative hydradenitis?

The treatment of this skin condition is based on a therapeutic guide in which the patient’s diet is part of the general non-pharmacological measures, according to the Argentine Society of Dermatology.

Studies do not provide much evidence. However, omitting dairy products, refined foods, sugars and yeasts could relieve symptoms.

Also, some supplements such as vitamin D, zinc and turmeric may be beneficial. So, let’s take a closer look at how the diet for suppurative hydradenitis is helpful in ameliorating the disease.

What is suppurative hydradenitis?

Suppurative hydradenitis (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, self-inflammatory skin disease that affects quality of life. The hair follicle becomes clogged and forms swellings that become inflamed and ruptured.

We also know it as reverse acne, because the lesions appear under the skin. They are especially common in areas where friction occurs, such as the armpits and groin area.

The disease has a worldwide prevalence of 0.05% to 4%, and women between the ages of 20 and 40 are more susceptible to the disease. Experts are unsure of the cause of the obstruction. However, genetics, obesity, skin rubbing and smoking are among the risk factors.

Diet for suppurative hydradenitis

Dr. Lawrence Gibson says that what you eat can have a significant impact on suppurative hydradenitis. Nutritional and balanced diets can control overweight and obesity, known risk factors.

There is insufficient evidence to suggest that a specific diet cures suppurative hydradenitis. However, patients and doctors know the importance of nutritional management in controlling this pathology. We will analyze some of the recommendations and progress.

Diet for dairy-free suppurative hydradenitis

In the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers point out that, in general, dairy products can aggravate acne and suppurative hydradenitis. By adopting a dairy-free diet by 47 patients, 83% of cases improved. Of the remaining 17%, no case worsened.

Dairy products contain casein, whey and hormones known as androgens, which clog the hair follicle. The researchers concluded that a dairy-free diet can reduce new lesions and relieve the symptoms of suppurative hydradenitis.

Therefore, recommendations include the exclusion of milk, fresh cheeses, ricotta, cottage cheese, baked cheeses, milk ice cream and yoghurt. You should also stay away from greasy cream, whole milk and butter, among others.

Low glycemic index diet

A group of experts has indicated that foods high in simple carbohydrates, such as soft drinks, sweets and ice cream, increase blood sugar levels and, consequently, insulin secretion. This leads to an increase in androgens and a worsening of the appearance of the lesions.

To reduce the glycemic index of your diet, there are several products that you should eliminate from your diet. These include sugars, desserts, sugary drinks, sweets, syrups, corn syrups, chocolate bars and breakfast cereals. In addition, you should increase your fiber intake by consuming vegetables, legumes and fruits.

Experts have linked wheat and yeast to an increase in HS symptoms. Bread dough has saccharomyces yeast as an ingredient . Several researchers have found that this yeast causes a reaction in the immune system, causing intolerance.

A small study of 12 patients with suppurative hydradenitis who followed a yeast-free diet for 1 year showed that the lesions had disappeared. In addition, patients’ quality of life has improved. But when the patients ingested wheat, yeast or beer again, the symptoms returned.

Unfortunately, the sample size and the lack of a control group do not allow the results to be generalized. It is also unclear whether the yeast problem occurs only in patients with wheat intolerance.

Recommendations include eliminating fermented alcoholic beverages, such as beer and wine. Also, bread, cakes, pizza, soy sauces, sachets and all foods containing wheat and yeast should be eliminated from the diet.

The publication Nutrients shows the results of a study conducted on 41 patients with HS who had a low consumption of foods typical of the Mediterranean diet. At the same time, another group of patients who adopted the Mediterranean diet got rid of this condition.

The Mediterranean diet includes vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, beans, extra virgin olive oil, fish and seafood. Minimizes the consumption of refined and processed foods. It has a low glycemic index and a high fiber content.

In some research, it has been observed that many patients with suppurative hydradenitis are obese and that there is a direct relationship between body mass index and disease severity. Dr. Boer said that low-calorie diets that promote weight loss reduce the appearance of the disorder.

In a retrospective study of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, it was found that those who reduced their weight by 15% reduced the severity of suppurative hydradenitis.

Low-calorie diets include high-fiber foods because they produce satiety. Products with a high glycemic load, such as plain sugars and refined sugars, are also excluded.

Several studies link gastrointestinal function to skin health. This is related to the microorganisms that live in the intestines (intestinal microbiota). People with a greater diversity of microbiota are those who eat more vegetables.

North American guidelines for the clinical management of HS claim that patients with suppurative hydradenitis and low vegetable intake have less microbiota diversity. The control group without HS and a diet rich in vegetables was noted for its greater diversity.

It seems that the exclusion of vegetables belonging to the Solanaceae family could improve symptoms, as happens in some autoimmune diseases. These include potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes and peppers. However, there are no studies to support this idea.

What supplements can support the diet for suppurative hydradenitis?

Vitamin D plays an important role in reducing inflammation, and experts have discussed its application in HS. In fact, a group of researchers found that 63% of patients with HS and low levels of vitamin D experienced an improvement after taking the supplement.

Doctors also recommend the use of vitamin D in foods or supplements, rather than exposure to sunlight, as this can worsen the clinical picture.

Turmeric

Some studies have revealed the ability of turmeric as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regulator of the immune system. Its active compound, curcumin, modulates compounds that cause inflammation, known as cytokines.

Therefore, turmeric could improve the inflammatory process in suppurative hydradenitis. Although there are no definite conclusions about dosage and formulation, experts acknowledge its positive effect.

In conclusion, if you have suppurative hydradenitis and are thinking of changing your diet, it is best to consult a dermatologist immediately. He can advise you on the type of diet that best suits your stage of HS.

It is also a good idea to consult a nutritionist to determine what foods you can eat if you have food intolerances. The professional will also recommend special forms of preparation to increase the intake of fiber and zinc.