Sometimes it seems like everything you encounter impacts your hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) symptoms. But there are some potential HS triggers you can’t avoid — including food. Fortunately, most people can still find lots of safe food choices while living with HS.

Check out a few tips that can help you find foods that aren’t likely to trigger an HS flare. You’ll also discover what research says about foods that are safe to eat with HS.

Which Eating Plans Are Safe for People With HS?

No specific diet has been shown to improve hidradenitis suppurativa (also called acne inversa) symptoms. Everyone’s HS triggers and symptoms are different. But some very limited evidence shows that dietary changes may help some people with HS. In addition, some researchers believe following a Mediterranean diet can reduce inflammation and HS severity.

A Mediterranean diet includes lean proteins such as fish, a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. When following this eating plan, you avoid certain foods that may trigger HS. This includes sweetened beverages like soda and processed meats like hot dogs and bacon.

The eating plan that works best for you will be one that’s customized to your specific HS triggers. For instance, some myHSteam members say the paleo diet has worked for them. This eating plan encourages hunted and gathered foods such as fish, meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and seeds. People on this eating plan avoid processed foods and grains. But research is limited on whether the paleo diet is helpful for people with HS.

Always talk to your dermatology team for specific advice on what may help you. Your dermatologist can connect you with a registered dietitian who will help you evaluate the best eating plan for your specific needs, goals, and triggers. They can walk you through the role of nutrition in controlling your HS symptoms and work with you to create a healthy diet.

4 Foods That May Benefit People With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

To maintain your overall health, consider the following foods that may be beneficial when living with HS. The nutrients and foods mentioned below can be obtained via supplements or from whole foods. Always talk to your doctor before adding vitamins and supplements to your diet.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are an important component of a Mediterranean diet and may help reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation can trigger HS symptoms in some people.

Many types of fish, including salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetarian sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and canola oil. The American Heart Association recommends aiming for two servings of fish per week, especially fatty fish, to get enough omega-3s.

Salmon is a popular and simple fish to cook. You can roast it in the oven with lemon, salt, and pepper — or get more creative with a salmon and asparagus sheet pan recipe.

Canned fish like sardines can be an economical alternative to fresh fish while still providing omega-3 fatty acids. Canned sardines can be added to pasta dishes and salads.

Walnuts make a good snack on their own and also are tasty in salads, oatmeal, pasta dishes, and baked goods.

A tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds added to your favorite smoothie recipe or stirred into oatmeal or yogurt can help you get more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Chia seeds can also be used to make pudding or jam.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric and its active component, curcumin, can have anti-inflammatory benefits. This spice has been used in traditional medicine to treat wounds and skin conditions, but little is known about a direct link between turmeric and HS. However, some myHSteam members say it has helped them. “Turmeric seems to work really well to keep my flare-ups at bay,” one member said.

Turmeric can be incorporated into many recipes. You can use it in main dishes such as tandoori chicken or in sides and snacks like turmeric roasted chickpeas. Some people enjoy drinking golden milk — a hot drink made with turmeric and milk (including nondairy milk). Golden milk recipes tend to call for a sweetener, but you can leave it out if you want to minimize sweetened beverages or foods.

Turmeric is also available as a supplement. Talk to your doctor before taking turmeric supplements because they may impact other health conditions, such as diabetes.

3. Zinc and Vitamin D

Some small studies have found that HS symptoms improved with zinc and vitamin D supplementation. But more research on the subject is needed.

“I take vitamin D, zinc, and turmeric with black pepper,” a myHSteam member commented.

You can discuss your nutrient levels with your doctor if you’re concerned. Don’t start supplementing with these nutrients before consulting a healthcare provider. Whenever possible, aim to meet your zinc and vitamin D needs through food sources first and use supplements only if recommended by your healthcare provider.

Vitamin D deficiency can be diagnosed with a routine blood test. Diagnosing a zinc deficiency is more challenging. Your doctor may order a blood or urine test if they suspect a zinc deficiency, but the results of these tests aren’t always conclusive.

If you’d like to increase your zinc intake via your diet, oysters and beef will pack the biggest punch. Zinc is also found in dairy, eggs, and fortified cereals.

The same fatty fish, like salmon and sardines, that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are also good sources of vitamin D. Many products are also fortified with vitamin D, such as milk — including plant-based types — and whole-grain cereals.

4. Vitamin B12

One small study found that vitamin B12 helped reduce HS symptoms in some participants. Researchers suspected that the vitamin may help control inflammation in people with HS. More studies are needed to evaluate whether B12 is helpful for people with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Foods with B12 include fish, meat, and dairy products. It’s also added to some products, such as fortified breakfast cereals. A B12 deficiency isn’t common in the U.S., but some people who don’t consume animal products may need B12 supplements. “I have vitamin D, B12, and iron deficiency,” one myHSteam member said. “I have flares and am thinking of supplementing.”

Body Weight and HS Symptoms

Researchers have demonstrated a connection between HS disease severity and higher body mass index (BMI). In a study of people who underwent weight loss surgery, the number of participants who reported HS symptoms decreased by 35 percent following weight loss. The researchers noted that losing more than 15 percent of body weight resulted in a significant reduction in HS severity.

Changing your eating plan to reduce your BMI may help improve HS symptoms, but it’s not a guarantee. People with high and low BMIs can have HS. Still, focusing on a nutritious eating pattern that supports overall health may also help improve HS symptoms, regardless of weight.

If you’re interested in losing weight, talk to your dermatology team or a dietitian about which foods and meal plans might work best for you. They can recommend HS-friendly foods based on your specific needs and HS symptoms.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are there any foods that help improve your HS symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.