Impact of Ketogenic and Low-Glycemic Diets on Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Cutis. 2024 Feb;113(2):75-80. doi: 10.12788/cutis.0942.

Abstract

Diet plays an emerging role in dermatologic therapy. The ketogenic and low-glycemic diets have potential anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects, making them attractive for treating inflammatory skin conditions. We provide an overview of the current evidence on the effects of ketogenic and low-glycemic diets on inflammatory skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis (SD), atopic dermatitis (AD), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). We conclude that low-glycemic diets show promise for treating acne, while the evidence for ketogenic diets in treating other inflammatory skin conditions is limited. Randomized clinical trials are needed to explore the efficacy of these diets as stand-alone or adjunctive treatments for inflammatory skin conditions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic*
  • Diet
  • Diet, Ketogenic* / adverse effects
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa*
  • Humans
  • Ketone Bodies

Substances

  • Ketone Bodies