Dietary and metabolic factors in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa: a systematic review

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a systemic recalcitrant inflammatory condition characterized by debilitating lesions with high morbidity. Its known association with obesity and smoking indicate correlation with other environmental factors, such as diet, suggesting a larger role for lifestyle modifications in disease treatment. This study seeks to assess the contribution of weight loss and dietary intake in HS management. A primary literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL in November 2018 to include association and intervention studies on the influence of diet and weight on HS. Twenty‐five articles were included. Meta‐analysis of nine case–control studies across Asia, Europe, and the United States showed that HS patients are four times more likely to be obese compared to the general population; random effects pooled odds ratio 4.022 (2.667–6.065), P