Causes, Risk Factors and Diet when Managing HS

The chronic skin condition called Hidradenitis suppurativa has no known cause at the moment, though it has been linked to genetics, dysfunction on the immune system and hormones.  There are three stages of symptoms, from mild to very severe and people with HS go through periods of flare-ups where the condition is worse and then times where the symptoms are less of a problem. Experts have found that some things can play a role in those symptoms, things like smoking, your metabolism and eating a healthy Hidradenitis suppurativa diet can have an impact on some. It is essential that people are educated so that they know HS is not contagious, it is not a sign of uncleanliness or laziness and while it is manageable it is not yet curable.

What are the risk factors for developing HS?

There are four main issues that can put you more at risk of developing HS. These are;

• Being female – HS affects a lot more women than men
• Being between 18 to 29 – This is the more common age of when it can develop and the earlier a person develops it, the more chance there is of it becoming worse in its symptoms. It can occur at any age though, and affect children
• Genetics – If HS runs in the family then you are more at risk to develop it
• Smoking – Smokers are more likely to develop HS

Just because you are a smoker, or your Aunt has it, does not guarantee you will get it. It is just a factor that increases the risks. Another consideration is your weight. There is some suggestion with doctors that those who are obese may also have an increased risk, which is why a healthy Hidradenitis suppurativa diet is suggested.

What does a Hidradenitis suppurativa diet look like?

Managing the symptoms and how they affect you and impact your life is key as a person with HS. Finding a way to eat a balanced diet can be a part of that.. Eating with more thought is also good for how you feel about yourself. Creating a better Hidradenitis suppurativa diet means essentially cutting back on sugar and sugary foods, cutting back on dairy products  like cheese and milk and limiting brewer's yeast which is found in bread and cakes and such.

Conclusion

There is no set diet and no one answer that suits all people with HS. It can take a bit of trial and error to work out where your best balance is. Right now the data we have shows some people have a lot of success with such steps, and some have more limited success. Either way, there is no reason not to give it a go if you are ready. With support from your medical team, your friends, and fellow HS warriors you have connected with, you can better manage it all.