TL;DR
The best supplements for hidradenitis suppurativa are zinc and vitamin D (if you are low), with turmeric, omega-3, and probiotics as low-risk but unproven extras. No supplement has been shown to control HS the way a prescription treatment can. Use supplements to fill gaps, not to replace a topical, antibiotic, or biologic.
The best supplements for hidradenitis suppurativa have modest evidence at most, and it is better to know that before you spend $60 a month on a shelf of capsules. A few may help fill genuine gaps, and a few are simply low-risk guesses.
Supplements are not regulated like medicines, so quality varies. If you pick one, look for third-party testing (USP or NSF labels) and tell your doctor, especially if you take other medications.
Which supplements are worth considering for hidradenitis suppurativa?
| Supplement | Evidence in HS | Typical caution | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc | Small studies, some benefit | High doses cause copper deficiency | Reasonable, with guidance |
| Vitamin D | Low levels are common in HS | Too much raises calcium | Test first, then correct |
| Turmeric / curcumin | Lab data, no solid HS trials | Stomach upset, blood thinner interaction | Optional |
| Omega-3 | Anti-inflammatory in general; HS data thin | Blood thinning at high doses | Optional |
| Probiotics | Little HS data | Rarely, bloating | Optional |
| Brewer's yeast removal | Small diet studies | None (it is an avoidance) | Worth a trial |
1. Zinc: the most studied supplement for HS
Best for: mild to moderate HS, or anyone with low zinc intake.
Zinc has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, and a few small studies in HS reported improvement. The catch is dose. Amounts used in studies exceed the usual upper limit for adults (around 40 mg a day from all sources), and long-term high doses can cause copper deficiency. Read our zinc for hidradenitis suppurativa guide before starting.
- Pros: some human data, cheap.
- Cons: nausea, copper depletion, small studies only.
2. Vitamin D: fix a deficiency if you have one
Best for: people whose blood test shows low vitamin D.
Several studies have found low vitamin D levels are common in people with HS. That does not prove that supplements improve it, but correcting a deficiency is good for bones and immunity regardless. Ask for a 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood test and dose to the result rather than guessing.
3. Turmeric and curcumin: popular, unproven
Best for: people who want a food-based anti-inflammatory and accept thin evidence.
Curcumin reduces inflammatory signals in lab studies. No strong HS trial shows it controls lesions. It is typically low risk, but it can upset the stomach and may interact with blood thinners. See the turmeric for hidradenitis suppurativa article.
4. Omega-3 fish oil: general inflammation support
Best for: people who rarely eat fatty fish.
Omega-3s are well studied for heart health and have mild anti-inflammatory effects. HS-specific data is thin. Doses above a few grams a day can thin the blood, which matters if you are heading toward surgery.
5. Probiotics: reasonable if you are on antibiotics
Best for: people on long antibiotic courses who get digestive side effects.
There is little data that probiotics improve HS skin. They may ease antibiotic-related stomach upset, which is a practical reason to try one. Do not expect skin clearing.
6. Brewer's yeast avoidance: a diet experiment, not a pill
Best for: people curious about dietary triggers.
Small studies reported improvement in some people who cut out brewer's yeast (found in beer, wine, bread, and some fermented foods). It is not proven and does not work for everyone. If you try it, track your flares for 8 to 12 weeks to see if it matters for you.
What supplements should you skip for hidradenitis suppurativa?
- "Detox" and "skin clearing" blends: vague labels, no HS evidence, sometimes high doses of zinc or iodine.
- Iodine or kelp: can aggravate acne-like and follicular conditions in some people.
- Testosterone boosters or bodybuilding blends: hormonal shifts may worsen flares.
- Megadose anything: more is not better.
Can supplements replace prescription treatment for HS?
No. Supplements may nudge inflammation a little at best, while prescription options act directly on bacteria and inflamed follicles. For recurring nodules, a topical like clindamycin plus resorcinol, oral antibiotics, or a biologic gives you a much stronger effect. Our best hidradenitis suppurativa treatments ranking shows where each fits.
For mild to moderate HS, the Vuret HS Flare Control Cream (resorcinol 15% plus clindamycin 1%) is a compounded prescription option. It is not FDA-approved, and it is not meant for deep tunnels or severe disease.
Talk to a clinician before starting any supplement if you are pregnant, taking blood thinners, or have kidney or liver disease.
How should you shop for HS supplements?
- Look for USP or NSF seals, which mean someone tested what is in the bottle.
- Check "elemental" amounts for minerals like zinc.
- Avoid proprietary blends that hide doses.
- Start one product at a time and keep notes.
Is a blood test worth it before supplementing?
Often, yes. A basic panel can check vitamin D, and sometimes zinc, iron, and B12. People with HS who also have heavy periods, restrictive diets, or digestive conditions are more likely to be low in something. Fixing a real deficiency is a better use of money than guessing.
It also helps to know what you take if surgery or a biologic ever comes up. Some supplements, including high-dose fish oil and turmeric, affect bleeding.
What if you take a supplement and nothing changes?
That is the most likely outcome, and it is fine. Stop it after your trial period and move on to something with stronger evidence. Do not stack five more because the first one did not help.
Do supplements make sense if you are on a biologic or antibiotic?
Sometimes, but check first. Zinc, iron, and calcium can reduce absorption of tetracycline antibiotics. Fish oil and turmeric can add to bleeding risk. Probiotics are generally fine, though they are best avoided if your immune system is heavily suppressed unless your doctor says otherwise.
If you are on a biologic like adalimumab, ask your dermatologist before adding herbal products. Most are harmless, but some affect the immune system or liver, and you want your care team to know everything you take.
A short written list of your medications and supplements, kept on your phone, makes these conversations quick and keeps you safe.
If you want something that acts on the lesions themselves, you can start an online visit for Vuret HS Flare Control Cream. You are charged only if a physician approves the prescription.
HS Flare Control Cream: Resorcinol 15% + Clindamycin 1%
A prescription cream that pairs resorcinol 15% with clindamycin 1%, applied right where flares start. Prescribed online by a U.S.-licensed physician only if it is right for you. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
See HS Flare Control CreamFrequently asked questions
What is the best supplement for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Zinc has the most human data, and vitamin D is worth correcting if you are low. Neither is proven to control HS on its own, so treat them as supportive.
How much zinc should I take for HS?
The adult upper limit is about 40 mg a day from all sources. Studies used higher doses, but those should only be taken under a doctor's supervision because of the copper-deficiency risk.
Does vitamin D help hidradenitis suppurativa?
Low vitamin D is common in people with HS, but there is no proof that supplementing improves lesions. Testing first and treating a deficiency is a sensible approach.
Can I take turmeric with HS medications?
Turmeric is generally low risk, but supplement-strength doses can interact with blood thinners and some other drugs. Check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Will supplements stop my flares?
Unlikely on their own. Most people with recurring HS need a prescription topical, antibiotic, or biologic, with supplements as a minor add-on.
Disclosure: Vuret makes the HS Flare Control Cream featured on this page, so we have a financial interest in it. We still list real alternatives, including when another option may suit you better. This article is educational and is not a substitute for advice from your own doctor.