Natural Remedies for Hidradenitis Suppurativa: How Diet and Lifestyle Can Help

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is more than just a skin condition—it’s a chronic, inflammatory disease that can deeply impact quality of life. If you’ve been living with HS, you know how painful and isolating the flare-ups can be. While there’s no cure, there are ways to support your body naturally and reduce symptoms over time. For many people, natural remedies for hidradenitis suppurativa, especially through diet and lifestyle, have made a powerful difference.

In this post, we’ll explore how inflammation plays a central role in HS, and how factors like food, hormones, gut health, stress, and environment can either fuel the fire or help put it out. You’ll also learn how to personalize your approach—because healing isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Understanding the Inflammatory Nature of HS

HS is classified as a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It’s marked by painful nodules, abscesses, and tunnels (sinus tracts) that typically form in areas like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts, although HS can manifest anywhere there is a hair follicle. Researchers believe the condition is rooted in an overactive immune response, often triggered by a combination of genetic, hormonal, microbial, and environmental factors.

Inflammation is the common denominator—and addressing it systemically is key. That’s why many people turn to natural remedies for hidradenitis suppurativa, including dietary changes, to calm their immune system and reduce flare-ups.

The Link Between Diet and Inflammation

One of the most impactful (and empowering) ways to influence inflammation is through what you eat. Certain foods can either promote or help resolve inflammation in the body. Highly processed foods, refined sugars, seed oils, and dairy are often reported by HS patients to exacerbate symptoms, while anti-inflammatory foods tend to support healing.

Research is still emerging, but small studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that dietary interventions can help manage HS:

• A 2020 study published in Dermatology Reports found that patients following a dairy-free, brewer’s yeast-free, and low-glycemic diet reported a significant reduction in flare-ups.
• Another 2019 study in JAMA Dermatology indicated that healthy weight loss and dietary changes helped reduce severity and improve quality of life in HS patients.

But diet isn’t just about food groups—it’s about how your unique body responds. That’s why any hidradenitis suppurativa diet must be personalized.

Hormones, Gut Health, and Stress: Hidden Drivers of Inflammation

HS tends to flare with hormonal shifts—like puberty, menstrual cycles, and insulin resistance. That’s no coincidence. Hormones like insulin and androgens directly impact inflammation and skin health. A diet that stabilizes blood sugar (think protein-rich, lower-carb, high-fiber meals) can help balance hormones and reduce flares.

Gut health also plays a crucial role. About 70% of your immune system lives in your gut, and when your microbiome is imbalanced (a condition called dysbiosis), it can lead to systemic inflammation. Supporting gut health with probiotics, fermented foods, and fiber-rich plants is a foundational part of any holistic HS protocol.

And then there’s stress—which can be just as inflammatory as poor diet. Chronic stress raises cortisol, impacts gut function, disrupts sleep, and weakens the immune system. Breathwork, gentle movement, boundaries, and rest are not optional. They are medicine.

Environmental Factors and Toxin Exposure

From personal care products to cleaning chemicals, your skin and immune system are constantly interacting with your environment. Reducing exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (like BPA, parabens, and phthalates) may help minimize inflammation. Opt for non-toxic skincare, natural deodorants, and fragrance-free products when possible. Here are products that I love and use. A natural flare care remedy I use topically is My Magic Healer, the community loves it! I have a discount code – Cristina12.

Crafting a Hidradenitis Suppurativa Diet That Works for You

There’s no universal HS diet—but there is a right diet for you. Here are some foundational tips to get started:

• Track your food and symptoms: Patterns are powerful. Use a journal or app to monitor what foods trigger flares.
• Start with an anti-inflammatory base: Build meals around whole foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, berries, olive oil, and pasture-raised meats.
• Consider gentle eliminations: Common triggers include dairy, gluten, nightshades, eggs, and sugar. Remove one at a time and observe.
• Support your gut: Incorporate fermented foods (like sauerkraut, kefir, or coconut yogurt) and plenty of fiber.
• Balance your blood sugar: Pair carbs with protein and fat. Avoid skipping meals.
• Hydrate and nourish: Sometimes fatigue and flares are worsened by dehydration and nutrient depletion. Drink mineral-rich water and eat a variety of colorful foods.

Why Individuality Matters

You are not a study. You are not a statistic. Your genetics, environment, microbiome, trauma history, and hormone profile are uniquely yours—and your healing journey should reflect that. What worked for someone else on Reddit or Instagram might not work for you, and that’s okay.

The key to managing HS naturally is to get curious about your body, track your symptoms, and work with someone who can help you personalize a plan.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

If you’re ready to take a holistic approach to managing HS through food and lifestyle, I’d love to support you. I work with clients 1:1 to create customized nutrition strategies that address the root causes of inflammation and empower you to feel more at home in your body.

👉 Click here to learn more about 1:1 coaching with me and start your healing journey today.

References:

• Guillet, G., et al. (2020). Dietary and hygiene factors associated with hidradenitis suppurativa severity. Dermatology Reports. Link
• Deckers, I. E., et al. (2019). Obesity and hidradenitis suppurativa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatology. Link

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