Smoking and Obesity Are Important Research Questions for Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa

An expert consensus of priority research gaps in dietary and lifestyle factors in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) was developed in a recent Delphi consensus study published in Archives of Dermatological Research.

Researchers aimed to develop a consensus regarding recommendations for management of HS through dietary and lifestyle changes by performing a Delphi consensus study. Research questions on dietary and lifestyle interventions in HS were constructed based on a literature review and sent to an expert panel consisting of 22 international members that included dermatologists, dietitians, pharmacists, and endocrinologists. The primary outcome of the study was whether participants could reach consensus on the priority of each HS dietary and lifestyle factor research question. 

Smoking and obesity were identified as important research questions whereas the effects of iron and magnesium supplements, alcohol consumption, and limiting Brewer’s yeast intake were regarded as low research priorities per consensus.

“By shedding light on high priority research questions, our study provides a roadmap for further research on dietary and lifestyle modifications in HS and will help determine evidence-based lifestyle and dietary recommendations for patients with HS,” concluded the study authors.

Reference
Yamanaka-Takaichi M, Revankar R, Shih T, et al. Expert consensus on priority research gaps in dietary and lifestyle factors in hidradenitis suppurativa: a Delphi consensus study. Arch Dermatol Res. Published online March 23, 2023. doi:10.1007/s00403-023-02610-9