When your hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) flares up, you may start trying to figure out why. For many people with HS, this can mean identifying outside factors that may trigger an HS flare — including the foods you eat.

“My triggers are dairy, artificial sweeteners, honey, cashews, peanuts, pizza, peppers, and alcohol,” one myHSteam member said.

Another replied, “Dairy is a huge trigger for me. I have also noticed potatoes cause me to flare.”

There’s no single hidradenitis suppurativa diet that has been proven to improve HS symptoms for everyone. Read on to learn what we know about which foods may worsen HS in some people. Always talk to your dermatologist for customized advice on how to manage your HS symptoms and improve your quality of life.

5 Foods That May Worsen HS Symptoms

Foods that may be hidradenitis suppurativa triggers vary from person to person. The best way to identify your food triggers is to keep a food journal and track your symptoms.

Some people with HS can benefit from cutting foods like dairy, brewer’s yeast, or sugar from their diets. Always talk with a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider before making major dietary changes. It’s especially important to get medical advice before trying an elimination diet or adopting a popular diet trend like the ketogenic (keto) or paleo diet.

1. Dairy Products

A few small studies found that eliminating dairy from your diet may improve HS symptoms for some people. In one study, 83 percent of participants said their HS symptoms improved after removing dairy from their diets. Some researchers believe this is due to the amount of hormones and the fat content in many dairy products.

Some myHSteam members say dairy products trigger flares for them: “My worst triggers are meat, dairy, and stress mixed with heat and humidity.”

Another wrote, “Dairy definitely is a no-no for me, even little bits.”

If you stop eating dairy, it’s important to eat foods with calcium and vitamin D. This includes leafy green vegetables and fortified beverages like soy milk.

Dairy-free alternatives are becoming easier to find in most supermarkets. When choosing a dairy-free product, check the nutritional label. Look for nutrients you may want, such as vitamin D and calcium, and watch for ingredients you may want to limit, such as sugar.

2. Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast, found in foods like beer and bread, may trigger worse HS symptoms for some people. In one study of 185 people with HS, 87 percent developed new lesions within a week of eating brewer’s yeast.

Some members of myHSteam also report yeast as a trigger. One said,“I know hormones are triggering for me but it seems as if dairy, sugar, and yeast trigger me more.”

Another shared, “I found that many flares occur because of two things: beer (yeast) and pizza (more yeast).”

Still, not all scientists agree. The North American Clinical Management Guidelines for Hidradenitis Suppurativa found there isn’t enough evidence to recommend removing brewer’s yeast from the diet.

3. Sugar

High levels of insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar) have been connected to HS flares. Since eating sugar can increase insulin levels, cutting back may help some people. One member commented, “My trigger is diet, specifically sugar. If I eat too much sugar in one day, then I’ll get painful flare-ups the following day. It never fails.”

Reducing sugar can be hard. The American Heart Association suggests avoiding sweetened beverages like soda, checking labels for added sugars, and sweetening foods with fruit instead of table sugar.

4. Nightshade Vegetables

Some people believe nightshade vegetables cause inflammation and should be avoided. The nightshade family includes tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and peppers. However, there’s no scientific evidence that nightshades increase inflammation in the body.

Even so, some myHSteam members say nightshade vegetables trigger their symptoms. “Tomatoes and peppers cause killer flares for me,” one member shared.

Food sensitivities are very personal. If you notice that certain foods — whether nightshade vegetables or others — make your HS symptoms worse, it may help to avoid them. If you choose to avoid certain foods, be sure to replace them with other sources of important nutrients.

5. Alcohol

Some members of myHSteam say alcohol makes their skin condition worse. One shared, “If I drink any alcohol, it’s worse.”

Another member wrote, “It’s been a process of coming to terms that I have to cut out alcoholic drinks at 25 years old.”

For some, the brewer’s yeast found in alcoholic beverages like beer may be a reason alcohol triggers HS symptoms. “The last time I had a big breakout, it was from the yeast in beer,” one member said.

There isn’t much research on alcohol’s effect on HS symptoms or flares. But some scientists believe alcohol may lead to inflammation, which could trigger HS flares.

Too much alcohol is harmful for overall health. It can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of heart problems. You may find that drinking less — or not at all — benefits your health even if it doesn’t directly affect your HS.

Speak With Your Doctor

Always talk to your dermatology team or a dietitian about foods and HS meal plans that may help with your HS symptoms. They can guide you toward options that fit your needs and support your health.

Find Your Team

On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are there any foods that make your HS symptoms worse? Let others know in the comments below.