Hidradenitis Suppurativa Naturopath Australia
Whole-Person Support for Hidradenitis suppurativa
Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can be challenging. Recurrent painful lesions, inflammation and unpredictable flares can affect much more than your skin.
While medical treatment is essential for managing HS, there may also be opportunities to support your health through nutrition, digestive health, metabolic function and other lifestyle factors.
I’m Norelle Hentschel, a degree-qualified naturopath with over 10 years of clinical experience and a special interest in chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
I work with adults living with hidradenitis suppurativa to explore the broader factors that may influence their health and develop practical, individualised treatment plans that complement their existing medical care.
Available online Australia Wide
For new and returning patients
✔ Degree-qualified naturopath
✔ Over a decade of clinical experience
✔ Personalised, evidence-informed care
Trusted by 100s of patients with chronic skin conditions.
Not sure if this is the right next step?
If you’d like to understand whether naturopathic care is appropriate for you, you can book a free Discovery Call.
** This call does not provide treatment advice.
Understanding hidradenitis suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), sometimes called acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically affects areas where skin rubs together.
Common sites include:
- Armpits
- Groin and inner thighs
- Buttocks
- Under the breasts
- Perianal region
HS commonly presents as painful, deep-seated nodules or abscesses that may rupture, discharge and recur in the same areas.
Over time, persistent inflammation can lead to tunnels beneath the skin (sinus tracts) and permanent scarring.
HS is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.
Although HS affects the skin, it is increasingly recognised as a systemic inflammatory condition involving complex interactions between immune function, genetics, metabolic health and environmental factors.
This is one reason why managing HS often requires more than treating individual lesions.
Why look beyond the skin?
Research has identified several health conditions and biological pathways associated with HS. While these relationships are complex and not fully understood, they highlight the importance of considering the bigger picture.
When working with someone with HS, there are several areas I may consider.
Inflammation and immune function
HS involves an abnormal inflammatory response within the hair follicles and surrounding skin.
The immune system plays a central role in the development and progression of HS, with several inflammatory signalling pathways involved.
Supporting overall nutritional and metabolic health may be relevant when considering the broader inflammatory picture.
Metabolic and hormonal health
HS is associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic conditions, including insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS/PCOS).
Insulin resistance and hormonal influences may be relevant for some individuals, particularly where there are also symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne or changes in weight.
Understanding these connections can help identify whether further investigation or nutritional support may be appropriate.
Gut health and the microbiome
The relationship between HS and the gut microbiome is an emerging area of research.
Studies have identified differences in the gut microbiome of people with HS, and there is also a recognised association between HS and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
This doesn’t mean that poor gut health causes HS, or that everyone with HS needs gut treatment.
However, digestive symptoms, bowel health, dietary patterns and previous antibiotic use may be relevant considerations when developing an individualised approach.
Stress and psychological wellbeing
Living with recurrent painful skin lesions can take a significant emotional toll.
Stress doesn’t cause HS, but psychological stress, poor sleep and reduced wellbeing can influence inflammatory and immune processes.
Supporting stress management, sleep and emotional wellbeing can therefore be an important part of comprehensive care.
How I support people with hidradenitis suppurativa
My approach to HS is individualised and evidence-informed.
Rather than following a standard HS protocol or recommending a long list of supplements, I take the time to understand your health history, current symptoms, previous treatments and individual circumstances.
Depending on your presentation, we may explore the following areas.
1. Nutrition and dietary patterns
Diet is an area of interest in HS research, particularly in relation to inflammation and metabolic health.
Rather than prescribing a restrictive HS diet, I focus on establishing a nourishing, sustainable eating pattern that supports overall health.
This may include:
- Improving dietary quality and nutritional variety.
- Increasing fibre and plant food intake where tolerated.
- Supporting healthy blood glucose regulation.
- Reviewing dietary patterns that may influence metabolic health.
- Identifying potential nutritional inadequacies.
Where dietary changes are considered, I aim to ensure they are practical, nutritionally adequate and based on a reasonable clinical rationale.
2. Digestive health & gut microbiome
If you experience bloating, altered bowel habits, reflux or other digestive symptoms, these may warrant further investigation.
Depending on your symptoms and health history, I may explore:
- Digestive function and bowel regularity.
- Dietary fibre intake and tolerance.
- Gut microbiome health.
- Previous antibiotic exposure.
- Symptoms that may warrant medical investigation, including possible inflammatory bowel disease.
I don’t routinely recommend commercial microbiome testing. Any testing is considered on an individual basis, taking into account its clinical usefulness and cost.
3. Metabolic & Hormonal Health
Where relevant, I may assess factors associated with metabolic health, including:
- Blood glucose regulation and insulin resistance.
- Cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Nutritional status.
- Hormonal symptoms and menstrual health.
- PMOS/PCOS or other relevant endocrine conditions.
Existing pathology results can be useful when assessing these areas. Where further investigation is appropriate, I can discuss this with you and recommend that relevant testing be arranged through your GP.
4. Targeted Nutritional Supplementation
Nutritional deficiencies and inadequate dietary intake can affect immune function, metabolic health and tissue repair.
Where clinically appropriate, nutritional supplements may be used to address identified deficiencies or provide additional nutritional support.
I prefer a targeted approach rather than recommending multiple supplements without a clear reason. The aim is to use the smallest number of products for the shortest appropriate period, with ongoing review.
5. Individualised Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine may also have a role in a broader naturopathic treatment plan.
Depending on your health history, current medications and treatment goals, I may prescribe customised liquid herbal medicines to support areas such as inflammatory balance, digestive function, stress or sleep.
Herbal medicines are selected individually, with careful consideration of medication interactions, contraindications and suitability.
They are complementary support, not a replacement for medical treatment of HS.
6. Lifestyle & Stress Management
Lifestyle factors can influence metabolic and inflammatory health, although HS is not caused by lifestyle choices.
Depending on your circumstances, we may discuss:
- Sleep quality and establishing healthy sleep routines.
- Stress management and nervous system regulation.
- Physical activity that accommodates your symptoms.
- Smoking cessation support where relevant.
- Practical ways to reduce friction and irritation to affected areas.
The emphasis is on realistic changes that fit into your life, rather than trying to change everything at once.
Working alongside your dermatologist and GP
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a complex medical condition, and appropriate medical assessment and treatment are essential.
Depending on the severity of HS, medical management may involve prescription medications, antibiotics, biologic therapies, wound care or surgical procedures.
Naturopathic care complements these treatments.
I take your current medical treatment into consideration when developing recommendations and can work collaboratively with your GP, dermatologist and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
This is particularly important when considering nutritional supplements and herbal medicines, as some products may interact with prescription medications.
If you have not yet received a formal diagnosis, I recommend seeking assessment from your GP or dermatologist.
What to expect from an HS naturopathy consultation
Your first consultation is an opportunity to look at the bigger picture and identify where naturopathic care may be useful.
🌿 Initial consultation – 60 minutes
We’ll discuss:
- Your HS history, symptoms and previous treatments.
- Your general health and any other medical conditions.
- Digestive health, diet and nutritional intake.
- Relevant hormonal and metabolic symptoms.
- Sleep, stress and lifestyle factors.
- Current medications and supplements.
I can also review relevant pathology results and discuss whether further investigation may be useful.
From there, we’ll identify the priorities for your care and develop an initial treatment plan tailored to your needs.
🌿 Follow-up consultations – 30 minutes
Follow-up appointments allow us to review your progress, discuss your experience with the treatment plan and make adjustments where needed.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, build your understanding of relevant health factors and receive further guidance.
I don’t believe in unnecessary appointments or ongoing supplementation without a clear reason. The aim is to give you practical strategies and knowledge to support your health over time.
About Norelle Hentschel
I’m Norelle Hentschel, a degree-qualified naturopath with a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) and a Master of Advanced Naturopathic Medicine from Southern Cross University.
I’ve been in continuous clinical practice since 2015, with a particular interest in skin and digestive health.
My clinical work combines careful case taking, evidence-informed nutritional and herbal medicine, and practical lifestyle recommendations.
I’m also interested in contributing to the broader understanding of HS within naturopathic practice.
In 2026, I contributed to the published research paper Naturopathic Knowledge and Approaches to Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Australian Naturopaths, published in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine.
📚 Top HS Health Resources
If you’d like to learn more about hidradenitis suppurativa, these resources may help.
Hidradenitis suppurativa - A Natropath's Whole person Approach
This blog is a deeper look at some of the factors which drive HS and how a holistic approach can support the management of this condition.
HS Podcast
In this episode of Between Clinical Minds, I discuss the emerging science behind HS, including inflammation, immune dysregulation, the gut-skin connection and the clinical strategies I use to support patients. The episode also features a powerful patient perspective from clinical nutritionist Sara Dunstan and her daughter’s HS journey.
🎙️ Listen to the Episode (37 minutes)
Natural treatments for hidradenitis suppurativa
An exploration of the role of vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal medicine in the supportive management of HS.
👉🏻 Read more
Ready to explore a whole-person approach to HS?
If you’re living with hidradenitis suppurativa and would like to explore how nutrition, digestive health and individualised naturopathic care may complement your existing treatment, I’d be happy to help.
Appointments are available Australia-wide via Telehealth or phone.
Not sure if this is the right next step?
If you’d like to understand whether naturopathic care is appropriate for you, you can book a free Discovery Call.
** This call does not provide treatment advice.
Frequently asked questions about naturopathy & HS
Can a naturopathy help with hidradenitis suppurativa?
Naturopathic care may provide complementary support for people living with HS by addressing relevant nutritional, digestive, metabolic and lifestyle factors.
It is not a cure for HS and cannot replace medical treatment. My approach is to identify areas where individualised nutritional, herbal or lifestyle support may be appropriate alongside your existing medical care.
Can improving gut health help hidradenitis suppurativa?
The relationship between HS and the gut microbiome is an emerging area of research.
Although differences in gut microbiome composition have been identified in some people with HS, we don’t yet know whether these changes contribute to the condition or occur because of other factors.
If you have digestive symptoms or a history of gastrointestinal conditions, these are worth discussing as part of your overall health assessment. However, you don’t need to have digestive problems to benefit from a whole-person approach to HS.
Do I need to follow a special diet if I have HS?
There is currently no universally accepted dietary pattern for hidradenitis suppurativa.
Some dietary approaches, including reducing high-glycaemic foods or avoiding certain foods such as dairy or brewer’s yeast, have been explored in HS research and patient experiences.
However, responses vary, and evidence is still limited with more research required.
I focus on overall dietary quality, nutritional adequacy and sustainable changes rather than automatically recommending multiple food exclusions.
Do you recommend supplements for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Not everyone with HS needs nutritional supplements.
Where appropriate, I may recommend targeted nutritional support based on your dietary intake, health history, pathology results and individual requirements.
I also consider your existing medications and supplements to minimise the risk of interactions.
Can I see a naturopath if I'm taking antibiotics or biologic medication for HS?
Yes. Naturopathic care can be considered alongside conventional medical treatment.
However, it’s important that any nutritional or herbal recommendations are checked for potential interactions and contraindications.
I won’t recommend stopping or changing prescribed medication. Your GP or dermatologist should remain involved in decisions about your medical treatment.
Is naturopathy suitable for severe hidradenitis suppurativa?
Naturopathy is not a substitute for specialist medical management, particularly in moderate to severe HS.
If you have persistent abscesses, tunnels, significant scarring or worsening symptoms, dermatological care is important.
Complementary naturopathic support may still be appropriate, depending on your individual circumstances and medical treatment.
Do I need to have pathology or microbiome testing before my first consultation?
No. You don’t need to arrange any specific testing before your appointment.
If you have recent blood tests or other relevant results, these can be useful to review.
Additional investigations are only considered where there is a reasonable clinical indication. I don’t routinely recommend extensive functional testing or microbiome panels.
What does your follow up structure look like and how many appointments will I need?
After the initial consultation, regular (30-minute) review sessions are recommended. The frequency of these depends on your individual circumstances.
Often at the beginning they are more frequent (every 6-8 weeks) and over time they decrease to every (6-12 months).
I usually schedule reviews after your dermatologist/medical specialist session so we can incorporate feedback/medication changes from them into your treatment plan to ensure your naturopathic care is still appropriate for you.
Clinical disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes and does not replace medical diagnosis, advice or treatment. Hidradenitis suppurativa requires appropriate medical assessment and management. Naturopathic care is complementary and does not guarantee improvement or remission. Individual recommendations are based on your health history, clinical presentation and current medical treatment.
Clinical review and authorship
Written and reviewed by Norelle Hentschel, Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), Master of Advanced Naturopathic Medicine.
Content is informed by current research, clinical experience and evidence-informed naturopathic practice.
Last reviewed: November 2026.
I'm Norelle Hentschel.
I'm an experienced Naturopath who offers Telehealth consultations Australia wide. Since 2015 I've helped thousands of people improve their health. I'm ready to help you feel better and regain your energy and vitality.