Hidradenitis Suppurativa: natural remedies and the evidence behind them

May help most if your levels are low

Why this matches

If you're managing active flares, vitamin D is worth attention: research links low vitamin D to more HS inflammation, so making sure your levels aren't low is a sensible piece of the picture.

Why try it

A systematic review found an association between low vitamin D and HS inflammation and severity. Correcting a shortfall may help support immune balance, but supplementing is not a proven way to clear lesions on its own.

Dose or use

1,000–4,000 IU daily with food; consult a healthcare practitioner for higher doses

Time to results

Typically 8–12 weeks

Key study

Systematic review (2026, PMID 41898761), 'Investigating the Inflammatory Link Between Vitamin D and Hidradenitis Suppurativa,' found an association between low vitamin D and HS inflammation/severity — it points to a link and to correcting deficiency, not to supplementation clearing lesions.

Caution

High doses long-term can cause toxicity; check levels with your doctor before supplementing heavily.

Low zinc can slow healing and worsen skin

Why this matches

If you're looking at what's driving your HS from within, zinc is worth checking — low zinc is tied to delayed wound healing and skin rashes, exactly the kind of skin repair your body relies on.

Why try it

If you're genuinely low in zinc, correcting that shortfall supports wound healing and immune regulation. This is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider whether testing makes sense.

Dose or use

Ask your doctor about checking your zinc status before adding a supplement, especially if you have gut or absorption issues.

Time to results

Weeks to a few months after correcting a shortfall

Key study

Correcting a documented shortfall can support skin healing and immune balance; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.

Caution

Don't self-dose high zinc long-term — it can deplete copper; correct any deficiency under guidance.

Low levels may worsen HS inflammation

Why this matches

If you're exploring what's fueling your HS from within, checking your vitamin D status is a practical first step.

Why try it

If you're low in vitamin D, correcting the deficiency can help support the immune balance that may be contributing to your HS.

Dose or use

Ask your doctor for a simple blood test to check your vitamin D level before supplementing.

Time to results

Typically 8–12 weeks after correcting deficiency

Key study

Correcting a documented shortfall can support recovery; this is a root-cause check, not a treatment claim — ask your provider to test your levels.

Caution

Always test before supplementing at high doses; discuss results with a healthcare practitioner.

Low omega-3 may add to skin inflammation

Why this matches

If you're exploring internal drivers, omega-3 balance is worth a look — low omega-3 intake is linked with more skin inflammation and a weaker skin barrier.

Why try it

Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) help regulate the body's inflammatory balance. If your intake is low, improving it may ease some of the background inflammation behind HS. This is a root-cause check rather than a proven HS treatment.

Dose or use

Consider oily fish or an EPA/DHA supplement; ask your provider if your intake looks low.

Time to results

Typically a couple of months of consistent intake

Key study

Low omega-3 status is associated with more skin inflammation; improving intake is a root-cause step, not a confirmed HS treatment — discuss with your provider.

Caution

High-dose fish oil can thin the blood — check with your doctor if you take blood thinners or are due for surgery.

May help most if your levels are low

Why this matches

If you're managing active flares, vitamin D is worth attention: research links low vitamin D to more HS inflammation, so making sure your levels aren't low is a sensible piece of the picture.

Why try it

A systematic review found an association between low vitamin D and HS inflammation and severity. Correcting a shortfall may help support immune balance, but supplementing is not a proven way to clear lesions on its own.

Dose or use

1,000–4,000 IU daily with food; consult a healthcare practitioner for higher doses

Time to results

Typically 8–12 weeks

Key study

Systematic review (2026, PMID 41898761), 'Investigating the Inflammatory Link Between Vitamin D and Hidradenitis Suppurativa,' found an association between low vitamin D and HS inflammation/severity — it points to a link and to correcting deficiency, not to supplementation clearing lesions.

Caution

High doses long-term can cause toxicity; check levels with your doctor before supplementing heavily.

Supports immune balance and skin healing

Why this matches

During active flares, zinc is a common go-to for inflammatory skin trouble — it supports immune regulation, wound healing and helps irritated skin fend off infection.

Why try it

Zinc is one of the more widely used nutritional approaches for inflammatory and acne-like skin conditions, acting as an antioxidant and immune support. We're listing it on that basis rather than a specific HS trial, so treat it as a supportive option to discuss with your provider.

Dose or use

Commonly taken as zinc gluconate, around 30 mg daily with food; don't exceed label doses without guidance.

Time to results

Often 8–12 weeks

Key study

Traditionally and widely used for skin and wound healing; this specific use in HS has not been confirmed here in a cited controlled trial, so consider it a supportive, ungraded option.

Caution

Long-term high-dose zinc can deplete copper and upset your stomach — take with food and don't stack multiple zinc supplements.

Calms inflammation from the inside

Why this matches

HS is driven by systemic inflammation, and curcumin — the active part of turmeric — is a well-known anti-inflammatory, so it fits when you're trying to settle active, ongoing inflammation.

Why try it

Curcumin has long-standing traditional use and is valued for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, including in some inflammatory skin conditions. We're listing it on that basis, not a specific HS trial, so treat it as an adjunct to discuss with your provider.

Dose or use

Often taken as a standardized curcumin extract with black pepper (piperine) or a fat-containing meal to aid absorption; follow label dosing.

Time to results

Often 8–12 weeks

Key study

Traditionally used and valued as an anti-inflammatory; this specific use in HS has not been confirmed here in a cited controlled trial, so consider it a supportive, ungraded option.

Caution

Can interact with blood thinners and may upset the stomach in high doses; check with your doctor if you take medication.

Acupressure point for calming inflammation

Why this matches

If you want a simple daily self-care ritual, LI11 is the library's go-to point for inflammation — it's traditionally used for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, so it fits soothing HS-related flare discomfort.

Why try it

In traditional Chinese medicine, LI11 (Quchi) is used to reduce inflammation and calm inflammatory skin conditions. It's a gentle, no-cost thing you can do between flares. This is traditional practice rather than clinically proven for HS.

Dose or use

Find the point at the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent; press firmly for 1–2 minutes on each arm, a few times a day.

Time to results

Use regularly; any easing of discomfort is gradual

Key study

Traditionally used in acupressure for inflammation and inflammatory skin conditions; this specific use in HS has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Acupressure is for comfort only — it won't treat infection or abscesses; keep up medical care for active lesions and avoid pressing broken or inflamed skin.

Calms inflammation from the inside

Why this matches

HS is driven by systemic inflammation, and curcumin — the active part of turmeric — is a well-known anti-inflammatory, so it fits when you're trying to settle active, ongoing inflammation.

Why try it

Curcumin has long-standing traditional use and is valued for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, including in some inflammatory skin conditions. We're listing it on that basis, not a specific HS trial, so treat it as an adjunct to discuss with your provider.

Dose or use

Often taken as a standardized curcumin extract with black pepper (piperine) or a fat-containing meal to aid absorption; follow label dosing.

Time to results

Often 8–12 weeks

Key study

Traditionally used and valued as an anti-inflammatory; this specific use in HS has not been confirmed here in a cited controlled trial, so consider it a supportive, ungraded option.

Caution

Can interact with blood thinners and may upset the stomach in high doses; check with your doctor if you take medication.

Acupressure point for calming inflammation

Why this matches

If you want a simple daily self-care ritual, LI11 is the library's go-to point for inflammation — it's traditionally used for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, so it fits soothing HS-related flare discomfort.

Why try it

In traditional Chinese medicine, LI11 (Quchi) is used to reduce inflammation and calm inflammatory skin conditions. It's a gentle, no-cost thing you can do between flares. This is traditional practice rather than clinically proven for HS.

Dose or use

Find the point at the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent; press firmly for 1–2 minutes on each arm, a few times a day.

Time to results

Use regularly; any easing of discomfort is gradual

Key study

Traditionally used in acupressure for inflammation and inflammatory skin conditions; this specific use in HS has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Acupressure is for comfort only — it won't treat infection or abscesses; keep up medical care for active lesions and avoid pressing broken or inflamed skin.

Low omega-3 may add to skin inflammation

Why this matches

If you're exploring internal drivers, omega-3 balance is worth a look — low omega-3 intake is linked with more skin inflammation and a weaker skin barrier.

Why try it

Omega-3s (EPA and DHA) help regulate the body's inflammatory balance. If your intake is low, improving it may ease some of the background inflammation behind HS. This is a root-cause check rather than a proven HS treatment.

Dose or use

Consider oily fish or an EPA/DHA supplement; ask your provider if your intake looks low.

Time to results

Typically a couple of months of consistent intake

Key study

Low omega-3 status is associated with more skin inflammation; improving intake is a root-cause step, not a confirmed HS treatment — discuss with your provider.

Caution

High-dose fish oil can thin the blood — check with your doctor if you take blood thinners or are due for surgery.