Clinical Report: Nutritional Habits and Chronic Inflammation in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Overview
This comprehensive review evaluates the impact of dietary patterns on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), highlighting associations between dietary habits and disease severity. Evidence suggests that nutritional status may influence HS through metabolic and inflammatory pathways, although the data remains limited and heterogeneous, necessitating cautious interpretation.
Background
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting 1-4% of the population, often leading to significant morbidity. It is increasingly recognized as a systemic immunometabolic disorder, with strong associations to obesity and metabolic syndrome, which complicate management strategies. Understanding the role of dietary factors in HS is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Data Highlights
Eleven studies were included in the review, indicating a correlation between dietary patterns and HS severity. Key findings include lower adherence to Mediterranean diets and higher glycaemic diets linked to increased disease severity. The studies included observational cohorts and pilot interventions.
Key Findings
Lower adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns is associated with greater HS disease severity.
Higher glycaemic dietary patterns correlate with increased HS activity.
Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D and zinc, are linked to worse HS outcomes.
A pilot study suggests clinical improvement with a very low-calorie ketogenic diet, though evidence is limited.
Yeast-exclusion diets may improve symptoms in small patient cohorts, but further research is needed.
Bariatric surgery may worsen HS in patients with persistent micronutrient deficiencies.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should consider dietary habits and nutritional status when managing patients with HS. Promoting anti-inflammatory dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, and addressing micronutrient deficiencies may enhance treatment outcomes alongside standard therapies.
Conclusion
Dietary habits appear to influence the pathogenesis and severity of hidradenitis suppurativa through various metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms. Further research, particularly controlled studies, is needed to establish definitive causal relationships.
