If you have hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), you may have thought about using complementary treatments like vitamins and supplements along with your prescribed medications. Some members of myHSteam have discussed trying zinc supplements for their HS symptoms.

One member said, “My doctor recommended that I take zinc gluconate. I’ve been applying hot compresses most of the day to try to draw anything out, and I take turmeric supplements as well. Has anyone tried an anti-inflammatory diet? Do any of these things work for you?”

Members reported mixed results with zinc supplements. One wrote, “I use zinc tablets. It helps a lot for me.” Another member said, “I haven’t seen an improvement. But everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s worth a try.”

Read on for more information about zinc supplements for HS, including possible side effects and risks to be aware of.

Zinc Supplements for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

A look at the research on zinc for HS may help you and your health care team decide if the supplement is worth adding to your HS treatment regimen.

“I’m already shoveling lots of meds down my throat for different health problems and would love to know if zinc has helped anyone,” said one myHSteam member.

The 2019 North American Clinical Management Guidelines for Hidradenitis Suppurativa — a report from the U.S. and Canadian HS foundations — state that health care providers may recommend oral zinc supplements as an alternative treatment for HS. However, the report notes that the findings on zinc’s effectiveness in helping with HS are weak or inconclusive.

Zinc can also be applied topically (on the skin) in the form of zinc pyrithione lotions and creams. Researchers have looked at the effectiveness of topical zinc together with oral supplements in treating HS, but additional studies — with more participants — are needed.

Research on Zinc Supplements for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Although there’s no strong evidence that zinc supplements work for people with HS, some findings suggest they offer possible benefits.

A 2016 study looked into using oral zinc gluconate along with triclosan, a topical antibacterial treatment, on people with HS. The 66 participants reported an improved quality of life after three months, with less redness and fewer inflamed nodules, new boils, and flare-ups.

Another study, published in 2020, investigated the use of zinc supplements for people with mild to moderate HS. The researchers concluded that zinc and nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B) may be a well-tolerated treatment for mild to moderate HS. The 47 participants with HS who took the supplements had longer periods of time with no HS symptoms, as well as fewer and shorter HS flares, compared with 45 people who weren’t on the supplement regimen.

It’s important to know that a person’s response to zinc supplements depends on a variety of factors, such as their severity of HS, lifestyle factors, and other skin conditions. If you have questions about zinc supplements for your HS, talk with a dermatology expert who is familiar with your case.

Supplements To Treat Zinc Deficiency

Some people might take a zinc supplement they’re deficient (lacking) in the mineral. In general, although zinc deficiency is rare, older adults are at a higher risk.

Symptoms that may suggest a zinc deficiency include:

• Poor sense of smell or taste
• Lack of appetite
• Hair loss
• Feelings of depression
• Diarrhea
• Slow wound healing

One study of 122 people with HS found that they had lower levels of zinc compared with participants who didn’t have HS. Additionally, a 2019 systematic review article, which examined nine studies, found that people with HS who have lower levels of zinc and vitamin D may have more HS lesions. However, it wasn’t clear whether taking zinc supplements would help reduce the number of lesions.

Talk to your doctor if you are concerned that you might be low or deficient in zinc or any other nutrient.

How Do Zinc Supplements Work?

There are several theories on how zinc supplements and topical products may help symptoms of HS and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Zinc and the Immune System

Some researchers believe that zinc may improve HS symptoms through its anti-inflammatory properties. Zinc may help manage the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is often involved in HS. TNF is a type of cytokine, a protein made by cells that support the immune system. TNF is made by white blood cells and can help boost your immune response. If an immune system response contributes to HS symptoms, managing the production of TNF and calming the action of the immune system may theoretically help HS symptoms.

Adalimumab (Humira), approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat HS, is a TNF inhibitor. High doses of zinc pyrithione may have TNF-related, anti-inflammatory effects, but only in particular cases — other specific proteins and zinc particles must be present between your cells for zinc to have these inflammation-fighting effects.

More research is needed on how zinc might affect the immune response in people with inflammatory skin diseases through its effects on TNF.

Topical Zinc as an Antibacterial and Antifungal

Pyrithione zinc is thought to help HS symptoms through its antibacterial and antifungal properties. People with HS are sometimes advised to use this topical form of zinc in medicated shampoos on hair-bearing areas affected by the condition.

Safely Trying Zinc Supplements

Zinc is typically most useful in small doses. You shouldn’t take zinc supplements unless you’ve checked with a health care provider and they’ve confirmed that it’s safe for you to take zinc.

Your health care provider or dermatologist may recommend zinc supplements for your HS. They will advise you on the type and dosage and give you instructions for taking zinc. They can also refer you to other specialists, such as a dietitian, who might be helpful for you.

If you decide on your own that you’d like to try zinc supplements, talk with your doctor first. Zinc supplements could interact with your current medications. One myHSteam member wrote, “I heard zinc is good at helping flares, but I am taking another medication that I should not take zinc with.”

It’s important to be aware of possible limitations like these.

Risks of Using Zinc Supplements

Supplementing with zinc does bring some potential risks. Zinc levels that are too high could interfere with your body’s ability to absorb other vitamins and minerals, like iron and copper.

It’s also important to be aware of how and when you should take zinc supplements — and when you should not. “I just learned the hard way — do NOT take zinc on an empty stomach,” a myHSteam member said.

Zinc Toxicity

If you take too much zinc, you could be at risk of zinc toxicity. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting, tiredness, and upper abdominal pain. However, there’s no major cause for concern if you follow the appropriate guidelines and are honest with your health care provider regarding your use of supplements. Zinc toxicity is only a risk with supplements (as opposed to zinc found in foods).

If you decide to start using zinc supplements, whether oral or topical, make sure you understand the potential risks and side effects. More study through clinical trials are necessary to determine with greater certainty zinc supplementation is appropriate for most people with HS.

Work together with your health care team to decide what kinds of vitamins and supplements might be helpful for you. If you’ve heard about zinc helping people with HS and you want to try it, make sure to do so in a safe manner.

Talk With Others Who Understand

Symptom management and treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa can be confusing, but you are not alone. On myHSteam, the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones, more than 32,000 myHSteam members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand.

Have you tried zinc supplements for your HS? What advice do you have for others who are considering supplements? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below or on your Activities page.