Nutrition Education Toolbox for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

Diet has been shown to influence disease activity in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Modification of dietary intake is the most commonly used lifestyle intervention in HS, and patients frequently report HS improvement after implementing dietary changes. Providing nutrition education may be perceived as not feasible within the time constraints of an outpatient office visit, and many physicians may also not feel equipped to do this. In addition, most insurances have limited coverage for nutrition visits. However, dietary changes may be employed as a low-cost adjunctive treatment option that can be combined with conventional medical treatment to mitigate HS symptoms. Though dietary modification has been increasingly recognized as a commonly used and influential factor in HS management, there is no comprehensive HS nutritional guide. Herein, we provide tools for both physicians and patients to facilitate evidence-based nutrition education in HS through collaboration with dermatologists specializing in HS, a registered dietitian, and a culinary specialist.