What lifestyle modifications do you recommend for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa?  

It's important to approach this carefully since many patients have been told many myths that cause shame and stigma. I usually don't bring up smoking cessation or weight loss during the first visit. It's better to build a good relationship and trust, then address those. I always recommend patients ...

I gently mention triggers such as weight, friction in the way of tight clothing and to avoid smoking. If patients are interested, I will refer them to nutrition. I do have patients with HS who are not overweight. It is important to support them holistically as this is a very tough disease for adoles...

Approaching a patient holistically and making sure as many boxes are checked over a series of visits is part of captaining an HS patient’s ship. I’ve had gaunt patients with severe HS, but a significant percentage have some expression (or will in time) of metabolic syndrome and are overw...