From the Guidelines
Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tight clothing, and smoking cessation are crucial in managing hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and should be prioritized to reduce inflammation and prevent bacterial growth. Several lifestyle modifications can help manage HS, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet, as obesity can worsen symptoms 1
- Avoiding tight clothing and opting for loose-fitting, breathable fabrics to reduce friction in affected areas
- Proper hygiene, such as washing affected areas gently with antibacterial soap, but avoiding harsh scrubbing which can irritate the skin
- Avoiding shaving affected areas as this can trigger flares
- Smoking cessation, as tobacco use is linked to more severe HS 1
- Stress management through techniques like meditation, yoga, or counseling, which may help reduce flares, as stress can trigger inflammation
- Dietary modifications, such as reducing dairy, refined carbohydrates, and foods high in yeast, which may be helpful for some patients
- Using warm compresses on painful lesions to provide relief and promote drainage
- Wearing moisture-wicking underwear and applying antiperspirant to prone areas (but not on open wounds) to help reduce friction and prevent bacterial growth.
These lifestyle changes work by reducing inflammation, preventing bacterial growth, minimizing friction, and supporting overall immune function, which collectively can decrease the frequency and severity of HS flares 1. It is essential to note that while these lifestyle changes can help manage HS, they should be used in conjunction with medical treatment and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
From the Research
Lifestyle Changes for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Some of the key changes that have shown promise in improving HS symptoms include:
- Weight loss: Studies have consistently shown that weight loss, particularly in obese individuals, can lead to improvements in HS severity 2, 3.
- Dietary modifications: Certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and minimizes sugar, dairy, and processed foods, have been associated with improved HS symptoms 2, 4, 3.
- Elimination of trigger foods: Some studies suggest that eliminating certain foods, such as dairy and brewer's yeast, may help reduce HS symptoms 3.
- Nutritional supplements: Supplements like zinc, vitamin D, and riboflavin may have a suppressive effect on HS lesions, although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness 2, 3.
Exercise and HS
While exercise is often recommended as a lifestyle modification for various health conditions, its specific role in managing HS is less clear. Currently, there is no significant evidence to support the idea that exercise improves HS symptoms 2.
Overall Approach to HS Management
HS management often requires a multimodal approach, incorporating various treatments, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical interventions 5. A comprehensive treatment plan should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and may involve a combination of these approaches.