Consuming alcohol can have a wide range of effects on a variety of medical conditions, including hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), an inflammatory skin condition that affects at least 1 percent of the population.

HS lesions form painful nodules and abscesses around hair follicles in the armpits, groin, and other parts of the body. HS can lead to skin infections, draining wounds, and even scarring. Severe HS can cause extensive scarring and skin infections that may require surgical treatment by a dermatologist experienced with treating HS.

HS is more than just a skin disease — it is an inflammatory disease. HS is associated with other diseases too, including acne, inflammatory bowel disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and obesity.

Does Alcohol Affect Hidradenitis Suppurativa Flare-Ups?

Drinking alcohol may contribute to HS flare-ups, but research into how many people with HS experience worsening of HS symptoms after consuming alcohol is sparse. However, diet is known to play an important role in controlling symptoms of HS, and certain foods are known to trigger flare-ups.

Yeast and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Studies have found that the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, known as brewer’s yeast or baker’s yeast, is linked to worsening HS in some people. Some people with HS have anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies that can cause an immune response to brewer’s yeast. Diets that eliminate foods and beverages with this yeast have been shown to significantly help control symptoms after as little as three months on an exclusion diet.

Yeast is used to manufacture beer, wine, and hard cider, as well as many types of bread and other foods. Yeast can be found in certain wines and beer, especially hefeweizen (wheat beer) and bottle-conditioned beers. Some fermented foods can also contain yeast, including soy sauce and miso.

Does Alcohol Interact With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Medications?

Consuming alcohol with certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead to side effects. If you drink alcohol, you should always ask your health care provider about possible interactions with new medications. It is important to be honest about your drinking habits, including how much and how often you drink.

Frequent or heavy alcohol use can affect how certain drugs are metabolized and may make them less effective. The best recommendation for preventing alcohol-drug interactions is to abstain from alcohol while taking any medication.

Medical treatment options for HS include the use of pain relievers, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and biologics. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can also be important for HS treatment.

Pain Relievers

Opioid medications, including hydrocodone and oxycodone, can have dangerous interactions with alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of overdose and lead to slow or difficult breathing, as well as dizziness and drowsiness.

Drinking alcohol while taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can lead to stomach upset and gastrointestinal bleeding. Mixing alcohol and Tylenol (acetaminophen) increases the risk of liver damage. Side effects are more likely with high-dose NSAIDs, chronic NSAID use, or frequent or heavy drinking.

Antibiotics

Alcohol can interact with several different oral antibiotics used to treat HS. This only applies to antibiotics taken by mouth, not topical antibiotics. Flagyl (metronidazole) and other antibiotics can have potentially dangerous interactions with alcohol. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, flushing, increased heart rate, and sudden changes in blood pressure.

Depression and Anxiety Medications

Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities with HS and other conditions that cause chronic pain. Pain from HS can severely impair quality of life and interfere with sexual intimacy. Additionally, scarring and wound drainage can be a source of embarrassment and poor body image. Treating the psychological effects of HS can be just as important as treating the physical effects of the disease.

Common antidepressants, such as Paxil (paroxetine) or Celexa (citalopram) and anti-anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines such as Xanax (alprazolam), interact with alcohol. Symptoms can include feeling dizzy, drowsy, or depressed. Alcohol can also increase the risk of overdose with certain drugs and may have negative side effects affecting breathing, motor control, and memory.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Alcohol Abuse

Recent research has shown that people with HS have a higher rate of substance abuse than the general population. Alcohol abuse was the most common substance use disorder seen in people with HS. This is not surprising given that alcohol abuse and depression often occur together.

More than 14 million adults in the United States have alcohol use disorder (AUD). It affects people from all backgrounds and all walks of life. AUD can have a wide variety of symptoms, including cravings for alcohol, not being able to control how much or how often you drink, or experiencing withdrawal when you don’t drink.

If drinking alcohol is harming your mental or physical health, is interfering with work or school, or damaging relationships with friends and family, then you may have a problem with alcohol abuse and should seek help.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa, more than 22,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HS.

Are you or someone you care for living with hidradenitis suppurativa? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.