
PHYSICIAN PAGE
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT MANAGEMENT
FOR EACH OF YOUR PATIENTS AT AVENE
Is your patient suffering from a condition that you are struggling to soothe?
Hydrotherapy has proven effective for chronic, dermatological, joint, respiratory, metabolic and inflammatory illnesses... Hydrotherapy can serve as a complement to drug therapy, allow your patient to reduce their medication intake, or even take a break from treatment. The benefits of hydrotherapy last for several months, during which a soothing effect can be observed in day-to-day activities (sleep, social life, etc.) and there is a clear improvement in the patient’s quality of life.
Which patients are suitable for treatment at Avène Center?
Main indications* treated:
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Atopic dermatitis, eczema
- Psoriasis
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Scarring (burns, acne, etc.)
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Post-cancer sequelae affecting the skin and mucous membranes
Other conditions treated:
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Cutaneous and mucosal lichen
- Ichthyosis
- Pruritus
- Prurigo,
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Ailments of buccolingual and mucous membranes
*If your patient’s condition is not included in this list, please contact us for advice contact.avenecenter@pierre-fabre.com
Why choose Avène Center?
Eau Thermale Avène boasts a unique composition acquired during its underground journey of over 50 years. Along with the water’s constant mineral components, the presence of a unique microflora called Aqua. dolomiae has been investigated by our researchers. Discovering this secret was the key to defining the dual heritage of Eau Thermale Avène, the source of all its benefits.
Reduces skin reactivity
Strengthens the skin barrier
Respects the physiology of sensitive skin
It remains stable over time thanks to its preserved natural environment
Results of hydrotherapy for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis :
SCORAD : Scoring atopic dermatitis.
PASI : Psoriasis Area Severity Index.
Results of hydrotherapy for post-cancer patients :
A recent study was conducted on 70 women who were in remission from breast cancer following cancer treatment. A reduction in adverse skin reactions from treatments was observed after a three-week course of hydrotherapy treatment.
For more information : https://www.avenecenter.com/sites/default/files/etude_postonco_fr.pdf
More than 50 international scientific publications document the effectiveness of Eau Thermale Avène and hydrotherapy: studies on A.dolomiae, SCORAD AD, burden of atopy, ichthyosis, post-cancer, etc.
Upon arrival, patients will attend a medical consultation with a hydrotherapy doctor who:
- Will establish a customised treatment plan based on the patient’s age, condition, and skin health
- As a complement to their treatment plan, all patients benefit from the drinking water treatment
The drinking water treatment is routinely combined with external hydrotherapy treatments. It is recommended that adult patients drink approximately 1.5 litres of thermal spring water per day.

DERMATOLOGICAL HYDROTHERAPY TREATMENTS:
Simple baths or hydromassage baths lasting an average of 20 minutes, at an average temperature of 32°. This element, considered “essential”, is central to hydrotherapy treatment. It has numerous effects: emollient, anti-inflammatory, calming.
The bath’s effect may be strengthened by underwater jets that can be controlled via automated settings or administered directly by a medical assistant to target the areas specifically designated by the hydrotherapy doctor.
Full-body showers complement the bath’s effect by facilitating the elimination of scaly skin.
Full-body or topical sprays are the final treatments administered and consist of a fine mist of thermal spring water, with an antipruritic and calming effect.
For very young children, it is often preferable to replace showers and sprays with a second bath; in this case the first bath will take place in the morning and the second in the middle of the day.
- These treatments form part of the daily programme that may last between 1 hr 30 and 2 hrs.
COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS:
Always based on thermal spring water, these treatments are prescribed by the hydrotherapy doctor in response to the damage on the skin damage, its severity and location.
Filiform showers are always administered by the hydrotherapy doctors; they provide highly targeted treatment for skin lesions. The water pressure, size of the jets, and the distance between the operator and the patient offer significant potential in very different situations. At high pressure, the best indications are hyperkeratotic conditions (psoriasis, dry and lichenoid eczema), hypertrophy of the connective tissue (pathological scarring, particularly following extensive burns).
Low pressure or a broken water stream is used on the most delicate skin (crusted stage of atopic dermatitis, for example). The decision to include showers in the daily treatment programme is made by the doctor.
Thermal spring water compresses are used on the most inflamed areas; they are left in place for around 10 minutes and more water is applied several times.
Topical sprays, on the face or hands, disperse a fine mist with a soothing, decongestant effect onto the face, neck, hands and highly inflamed areas in adults with atopic dermatitis.
This treatment can also be used on the hands and forearms.
Underwater massages
This treatment is administered by the hydrotherapy center’s physiotherapist (low pressure shower, known as a “soft shower”).
These showers are intended to soften the skin, especially in areas with fibrous or retractile scars.
Scalp rinse is used to remove scales from the scalp; it also has a very helpful massaging effect
- These treatments form part of the daily programme that may last between 1 hr 30 and 2 hrs.



SPECIFIC HYDRATING TREATMENTS:
The hydrotherapy doctor may also recommend soothing treatments using emollient cream to promote a sense of well-being.
Body wrap with emollient cream serves as an important complement in the treatment of atopic dry skin. It helps to reduce the thickness of the skin’s outermost layer while offering greater comfort.
Moisturising body massage is a body treatment that delivers the skin benefits of optimal hydration via gentle massage.
Facial treatments with moisturising cream are relaxing; they soothe the skin, calm irritation and leave the face feeling comfortable and hydrated.
Complete scalp treatment removes scales, calms itching and irritation. This gentle massage helps soften the scalp and gives the patient an opportunity to relax
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Aim: to inform and train patients and their families to help them manage their condition better on a day-to-day basis
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Information :
- A conference on hydrotherapy delivered by the manager of the Hydrotherapy Center
- Medical conferences conducted by hydrotherapy doctors: Atopic Eczema, Psoriasis, Sport & Health
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Training: practical workshops for adults, adolescents and children:
- Hygiene, moisturising, alternatives to scratching and applying emollients
- Corrective make-up sessions on how to conceal visible imperfections on the face or body, suitable for both men and women
- Relaxation, Art therapy and Photo-language sessions, led by a psychologist
- Customised exercise for post-cancer patients, conducted by a physiotherapist.
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Discussion groups: led by a pharmacist with a degree in medical dietetics:
- Diet and nutrition
- Post-cancer diet and nutrition


Additional information
Children from 3 months of age are able to receive hydrotherapy (with customised treatments).
Children aged between 3 months and 12 years must be accompanied by an adult (parent, grandparent, other relative, etc.) to all treatments.
Disabled patients can be accommodated at the center. Although the center is a secure environment, please note that it is not a hospital facility. These patients must be accompanied by a third party throughout their stay. This is also applicable to patients with cognitive disorders.
Contraindications for hydrotherapy
- Progressive illnesses that may be aggravated by hydrotherapy treatment: progressive cancer, inflammatory diseases during flare-ups, active infections
- Illnesses that are generally unsuitable for hydrotherapy treatment: severe cardiac and respiratory failure
When undergoing hydrotherapy treatment, it is preferable that your patient is in a stable state with regard to their general, non-dermatological, conditions. In the event that a patient is undergoing serious medical treatment, it is recommended that they bring a letter containing a brief summary of their medical history and their current treatments, so they can pass this on to the hydrotherapy doctor.
Our medical-hydrotherapy team
- Dermatologists:
-Dr DULGUEROVA
-Dr PLACINTESCU
- General practitioner:
-Dr VERCHERE
- 2 nurses
- 3 physiotherapists
- Hydrotherapy assistants
- Aestheticians
- A psychologist
- A pharmacist