our specialists and patients

Testimonials from
our
specialists and patients
AT THE HEART OF THE AVÈNE
HYDROTHERAPY CENTER
Pure, sheltered, protected water in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Nature
Park, whose unique, invariable composition is constantly monitored and
regularly controlled.
A rare, naturally soothing, anti-irritant thermal spring water with scientifically
proven properties which soothes and relieves skin diseases.
A generous water whose properties are shared on the very site where it
emerges from the ground, in Avène where the Hydrotherapy Center has
existed since 1743.
QUESTIONS
ASKED OF
Marie-Ange Martincic
Manager of the Avène Hydrotherapy Center
How long has hydrotherapy been practised in Avène?
Over
the
centuries,
developed
according
hydrotherapy
to
various
has
drinking the water from a nearby spring and
factors:
bathing in it every day, it was completely cured.
beliefs, socio-economic progress, advances in
the medical sciences, the influence of the
During the Age of the Enlightenment in the 18th
decision-makers, etc. Several periods can be
century, hydrotherapy practices improved and
distinguished starting with hydrotherapy in
research was carried out on the properties of
Roman
thermal spring water.
times
and
ending
with
social
hydrotherapy in 1947*.
Hydrotherapy probably started in Avène in
The first medical text devoted to Avène thermal
1736. According to popular history, the curative
spring water was published in 1772 in which
properties of Avène thermal spring water were
Amilhau** declares that “in the treatment of
discovered by accident when one of the
inveterate skin diseases, I use Avène thermal
horses owned by the local squire, the Marquis
spring water as the supreme sheet anchor”.
of Rocozels, contracted a skin disease. After
How did the reputation of Avène thermal spring water develop?
Locally at first, then further afield, and as far as
In 1975, it enjoyed a new boom when the spring
Paris. The greatest names in dermatology
was bought by Pierre Fabre, who was very
recommended
attached
its
use,
thus
confirming
its
efficacy.
to
the
traditions
of
his
region.
Numerous studies were conducted on Avène
thermal spring water in order to scientifically
In 1874, the therapeutic properties of Avène
demonstrate its efficacy. Since then, research
thermal spring water were officially validated by
has been ongoing.
the French Academy of Medicine:
Official
recognition
of
the
spring as being beneficial to
the
general
public
was
In 1990, a new hydrotherapy center was built
and extended in 2004 to take up to 4,000
patients.
declared by French president
of
the
MacMahon,
time,
on
Marshal
23rd
November.
*A. Authier. « Eau de santé : le thermalisme d’hier à aujourd’hui ». PNRHL. May 2012.
**Amilhau. Observations médicales sur les eaux d’Avène. 1 vol., Fuzier édit., Béziers, 1772 ;
cited by Lapeyre, Cathala, Brémond.
Testimonials
from our
patients
Testimonial from
Gelu
aged 43
There was a sick horse
Whose aim was to win.
While trotting around
He jumped in a Spring.
Despite all his bathing
There was no Grand Prix
But his patience won through
And cured he be.
So if Avène Spring baths
Are firmly endured
Chance will soon smile
And we too will be cured.
Our bothersome skin
Which makes life a pain
Will soon be brand new
And we’ll be happy again.
Holly
aged 5
Australia
Drawing by
Marie
8 YEARS
What is the difference between 19th century hydrotherapy
in Avène and that of today?
While Avène’s vocation has not changed and is
still dedicated to dermatology, the means used
•
to treat patients have considerably evolved.
showers followed by all-over body spraying to
complete the effect of the bath with an antiitching factor.
Since the first thermal baths in the 19th century
•
local spraying, targeting such different areas
of the body as the face, hands and even for
when collective bathing was the only therapy,
the scalp for which we have developed
new treatment techniques have reinforced and
complete treatment expertise.
optimized
the
soothing,
anti-inflammatory
properties of Avène thermal spring water.
•
underwater massage for certain pathologies
and scarring to further soften the skin and
thermal spring water compresses which have
an anti-inflammatory effect on vulnerable or
The therapy is prescribed by a physician who is
damaged areas
responsible for medical surveillance and for
ensuring patient compliance with treatment:
•
•
hydromassage
baths
with
emollient,
softening, relaxing effects.
pencil-thin jets of water which are considered
to be medical treatment and remain the
prerogative of the resident physicians..
What is the aim of the Quality approach?
Regulations concerning the management of
from the spring to the patient - and that
thermal spring water require greater responsibility
regular verifications are carried out annually.
and
surveillance
which
is
why
the
French
hydrotherapy council has set up a Quality
Certification
system
that
is
specific
to
The
the
Avène
Dermatological
Hydrotherapy Centre was the
profession. It validates health risk assessment and
first of its kind to be awarded
prevention procedures and is supervised by a
the
Scientific and Technical Committee consisting of
AQUACERT
HACCP
Thermalisme(R) label in 2010;
independent experts.
certification was renewed in
It provides confirmation that the hydrotherapy
October 2013.
centre manages its thermal spring responsibly to
the benefit of everyone concerned and patients
in particular.
It is the official consecration of a quality
Certification guarantees that the quality of the
approach adopted by the Center more than
thermal spring water is preserved and protected -
20 years ago.
And if there is just one point to remember?
In two and a half centuries of existence, Avène’s vocation has not changed: the hydrotherapy center is
entirely dedicated to dermatology. Hydrotherapy, originally based on empirical observation, is now
entering a new era: that of scientific hydrotherapy by the implementation of research programs that
provide indisputable scientific proof of the efficacy of the treatment.
Testimonials
from our patients
Chu-Yun Chen
aged 8 ½ - Taiwan
Testimonial from
Carmen
aged 68
beauty
e
h
t
r
o
F
again!
u
o
y
k
n
a
and th
ience
u
t
o
a
p
y
k
d
n
n
a
a
Th
dness
n
i
k
e
h
t
,
undings
o
r
r
u
s
or all
e
f
,
r
e
of th
t
n
e
the c
n
i
e
n
o
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r
of eve
trust
e
h
t
s
u
t give
a
h
t
s
e
l
i
the sm
eed.
n
e
w
e
p
and ho
A RARE AND PRECIOUS
RESOURCE
QUESTIONS
ASKED OF
Séverine
Roullet Furnemont
Pierre Fabre Environment and
Sustainable Development Department
Water is Avène Dermatological Laboratorie’s main
preoccupation.
The preservation of its environment is essential.
Can you tell us more?
The natural habitat of Avène thermal spring
environmental footprint of our activities and
water is the Haut-Languedoc Nature Park,
contributing to actions to protect our natural
which covers 260,000 hectares. The Park’s
heritage such as the "Avène, water, nature and
bylaws emphasise sustainable development
health"
and regulate
the use and promotion of
development of rural areas by strengthening
biodiversity. Located right in the middle of the
local activities through the promotion of a
park, we contribute actively to this essential
resource center and thermal spring water
environmental management by limiting the
circuit.
xxxxxxxxx
project
aimed
at
furthering
the
Testimonials
from our patients
Testimonial from
Drawing by
Julien
aged 6
Henri
aged 73
The first time you come here, you have no idea what
awaits you.
Surrounded by forests and landscapes that seem
like World’s End, you slowly let yourself flow with the water.
Thousands of bubbles harnessed from the very depths of
the earth at Avène to relieve and heal damaged skin.
During the three weeks of treatment, men and women
attentive to each other in a kindred atmosphere.
For many, there is the feeling of being part of a family of
hydrotherapy patients, a feeling of coming home. They
have created a scientific tool which inspires admiration to
know more, to learn and give their “best” in order to
understand the great mystery of the water and share its
secret with us.
Congratulations to all these wonderful people in their
white coats. Thank you!
Kirsi
aged 40 - Finland
Is this nature park the source of Avène thermal spring water?
Yes, because it shelters the impluvium which
During the transfer, which takes about 50 years,
collects rainwater and forms the bed of our
the
spring. The impluvium, which is small – about
composition and therapeutic properties.
30 sq.km. - is 80% forestland with low anthropic
activity for optimum protection of our resource.
water
acquires
its
particular
chemical
When it emerges, Avène Thermal Spring Water
has a unique, rich, invariable composition
From the impluvium, the thermal spring water
begins its long underground journey in slow drips.
that we also have to protect.
How do you protect the Water?
The Water benefits from strict protection of the
surface damage, and routed through stainless
spring at the Hydrotherapy Center. It is removed
steel pipes without being stored at any time.
deep down, where there is no possibility of
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
And how do you control the purity and quality of the Water?
Three different control centers, independent of
water and more than 2,300 inspections are carried
each other, continually monitor the purity of the
out each year.
xxxxxxxxx
In conclusion ?
Avène’s commitment to protection of the thermal
evaluation. They are the first
spring water and its environment corresponds totally
pharmaceutical and dermo-
to the social and environmental responsibility
cosmetics
approach of Laboratoires Pierre Fabre which owns
evaluated under this system
the Avène brand. Pierre Fabre recently obtained
and the first company with
recognition for their contribution to sustainable
development by acceptance of their AFAQ 26000
laboratories
more than 10,000 employees
awarded level 3 out
of 4, “confirmed”.
to be
Go with the
…
…
flow
SCIENTIFICALLY
PROVEN
EFFICACY
QUESTIONS
ASKED OF
Dr Didier Guerrero
Dermatologist
Consultant for Avène Hydrotherapy Center
Can you tell us about the composition of Avène thermal spring water
explain?
Silica: 10.6 mg/l
Anions
HCO3 –
SO2-4
Cl-
Avène thermal spring water is distinguished from
Cations
271.5 mg/l Ca2+
24.9 mg/l Mg2+
5.5 mg/l Na+
51.3 mg/l
26.7 mg/l
4.8 mg/l
Trace
elements
other natural mineral waters by its constant,
qualitatively balanced mineral content.
Al, Ba, Li, Sr,
Zn
• Low mineral content : dry residue 266 mg/litre.
• Calcium/magnesium bicarbonate profile.
• Calcium/magnesium ratio of 2.
• High silicate and trace element content.
• Neutral pH of 7.5.
Can the specific composition of Avène thermal spring water explain its
properties?
Yes, the specific mineral content of Avène thermal
presence of other active ingredients in the
spring
thermal spring water which are likely to also
water
especially
its
explains
action
some
properties,
contribute to combating inflammation and
(keratinocytes) which form the surface of the skin.
immomodulation. These active substances are
Avène
cell
synthesized by an original microflora called
numerous
Aqua dolomiae and thus could be defined a
dermatological complaints, so that a high-quality
biological signature of Avène thermal spring
barrier function can be restored.
water.
Minerals are also involved in the anti-inflammatory
The basic data, proven pharmacological effects
and immunomodulating action of Avène thermal
and clinical benefits of the therapy are very
spring water which has been confirmed by a clinical
coherent, particularly in patients suffering from
and
atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, and have been
differentiation,
spring
which
is
the
its
cells
thermal
on
of
water
epidermal
stimulates
disrupted
pharmaco-clinical
in
assessment
program
conducted for more than 30 years.
Alongside
minerals
with
known
reported
properties,
fundamental research is aimed at highlighting the
in
a
number
of
international
publications aimed at doctors, pharmacists and
researchers.
xxx
Does it lead to publications?
The basic data, have been reported in a number
In the era of “evidence-based medicine", this
of international publications aimed at doctors,
internationally
pharmacists and researchers.
highlights the latest fundamental and clinical data
renowned
scientific
publication
Recently, a special issue of the Journal of the
available to demonstrate the efficacy of Avène
European
and
thermal spring water. All the articles in the special
Venereology (JEADV) was dedicated to the
issue, entitled “Evidence-based efficacy of Avène
benefits of Avène’s hydrotherapy program.
thermal spring water”, are referenced in the
Academy
of
Dermatology
international literature (MEDLINE).
Testimonials
from our patients
Pierre
Drawing by
aged 4
Chelsea
aged 6 – French overseas territories
Testimonial from
Françoise
aged 32
urself”
“Feeling good about yo
am thanks to
re
d
le
ab
in
ta
at
an
w
no
is
and the efficient
er
at
w
ng
ri
sp
’s
ile
d
O
Saint
rotherapy team
yd
H
ne
vè
A
e
th
of
lp
he
my heart.
whom I thank with all
QUESTIONS
ASKED OF
Dr Charles Taïeb
Director of Public Health, Quality of Life
and Health Economics, Pierre Fabre
Some of the studies conducted on the benefits of
Avène thermal spring water are basic
while others concern clinical benefits with an analysis of data r
elating to improving the pathology and quality of life.
For the first time, an evaluation of the burden to patients' families
has been carried out.
Can you explain what is meant by “burden of disease”?
In the mid 1990s, a method for evaluating the global
order to quantity the state of health of a
burden of disease was developed by the WHO in
population and facilitate the definition of public
xxxx.
health priorities.
Is it very different from legitimate individual concerns?
Yes, and that is why the notion of individual burden of
how it affects patients and/or their family, that is,
disease was recently introduced to designate the
the
“disability”
integration
in
(psychological,
the
broad
social,
sense
economic
of
and
the
term
physical)
caused by a pathology which is usually chronic. The
burden
which
into
affects
a
quality
community,
of
life,
everyday
organisation and the level of medical resources
required (consultations, treatment, etc.).
aim of assessing the individual burden is to determine
Does a “burden of atopy” questionnaire exist?
A “family burden” questionnaire was created and
(so that it is easy to use and quick to complete)
validated in 2012 in partnership with the French
and is based on 6 dimensions (Daily Life, Leisure,
eczema association, called the ABS (Atopy Burden
Family Life, Budget, Work and Privacy). The scores
Score) questionnaire. It consists of 19 questions
is on a scaled of 0 to 100; the higher the score,
xxxx
the heavier the burden.
Testimonials
from our patients
Testimonial from
Emma
Is the ABS questionnaire used
at the Avène Dermatological
Hydrotherapy Center?
aged 7Australia
Yes, as part of a pilot study. Thirty families
agreed
to
participate
in
the
I love Avène.
It fixed up my sister
who was sad because
the other kids
called her a vampire.
initial
assessment. The results showed that each of
4 dimensions had improved by the end of
treatment. Alleviation of the family burden,
after
three
weeks'
Dermatological
treatment
Hydrotherapy
at
the
Center,
confirmed that, in addition to visible clinical
results,
the
patient’s
disability is greatly
reduced..
Are other investigations planned?
An assessment was carried out between
March and October 2013 in order to describe
alleviation of the family burden and also that
of adult patients! A greater number of patients
were asked to participate over a longer period
of time: assessment of persistence of the
effects of treatment after 3 and 6 months.
Drawing by
Natalka
aged 6
Holly
Her sister
aged 5
AT THE ORIGIN OF
TREATMENT GIVEN AT AVÈNE
HYDROTHERAPY CENTER
QUESTIONS
ASKED OF
Dr Pavlina Dulguerova
Dermatologist
What types of dermatosis do Avène patients suffer from?
The
Hydrotherapy
The Avène Dermatological Hydrotherapy Center
Center specializes in the treatment of a large
Avène
Dermatological
also proposes treatment specifically designed for
number of dermatological pathologies including
certain manifestations of the mucous membrane of
not only eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, burn scars
the mouth and tongue, dermatosis of the scalp and
and sequelae, chronic pruritus and prurigo and
the side effects of anticancer treatments (sequelae
lichen of the skin and mucous membrane, but
of X-ray therapy, dermatological adverse effects of
also all types of sensitive skin.
chemotherapy, scarring, surgery, etc.)
What types of patients are treated at the Avène Dermatological
Treatment Center?
The
Center
We welcome both adults and children but also
welcomes more than 2,800 patients a year,
Dermatological
infants, from the age of 3 months, suffering from
from across the globe: most are French, of
eczema, also known as “atopic dermatitis”.
course,
but
there
Hydrotherapy
are
more
and
more
international patients who sometimes come
from very far away - Australia, US, China,
Taiwan, Singapore, etc.
What hydrotherapy treatments are given during the therapy?
I
compresses of Avène thermal spring water,
examine each patient at the beginning of the
underwater massage, etc.), in addition to
programme. Depending on the diagnosis, past
special treatment such as body wraps with
treatment
moisturising
My
fellow
hydrotherapy
and
clinical
physicians
observations
and
made
and
emollient
creams.
The
during the visit, we draw up a daily treatment
combination of these treatments is adapted
program that lasts about an hour and a half.
individually to each patient and we monitor
The program consists of basic treatment (such
their
as baths, showers and spray treatment), and
programme before making a final assessment,
complementary treatment (pencil-thin jets of
often very positive, at the end of the 3 weeks.
water, scalp showers, local spray treatment,
development
during
the
treatment
Testimonials
from our patients
Drawing by
Delphine
aged 11
Young and old alike cross paths
in the corridors with their protective walls.
The doctors’ pencil-thin jets of water
provide well-being and vigour.
This eternal spring water which has always been a true
source of happiness, brings comfort and relief.
Testimonial from
Marie-Josée
aged 53
Bruno
aged 14 - Brazil
SENSICURE
Based on experience acquired with its three-week dermatological therapy
program, the Avène medico-hydrotherapy team is now offering a new
routine called SensiCure, freely available to everyone.
Especially developed for sensitive skin, it is available to both men and women and consists of
personalized therapy supervised by dermatologists. SensiCure therapy begins with a medical visit and
during the patient’s stay, their cosmetic requirements are also assessed. All patients have free access to
the corrective make-up, hygiene & hydration and relaxation workshops.
To sum up, it is a non-prescription therapy program for sensitive skin, for a recommended period of six
consecutive days at the Dermatological Therapy Center.
Sensicure: Goodbye stress and tension hello happiness!
Thank you to Geraldine and Marie-Claire
Bénédicte
aged 28
In addition to the hydrotherapy treatment itself, the team at the
Avène Hydrotherapy Center offers patients and the parents of
child patients, a complete program of Lectures and Workshops.
The information given is taken strictly from consensus lectures on
chronic dermatoses, validated by the scientific community.
QUESTIONS
ASKED of
Joëlle Nonni
In charge of the workshops
What workshops do you offer patients who come to
Avène?
We offer lectures and workshops designed to
Complementary
provide information and help patients to
acquire the right prevention reflexes, maintain the
workshops
help
patients
to
handle their disease on an everyday basis.
therapy results and prevent outbreaks. They
become more familiar with their skin disease and
The
medical
lectures
are
given
by
a
dermatologist and the ensuing discussions are
appropriate treatment. As a result, they are less
anxious and less stressed.
an important way for patients to have a better
understanding of their disease.
What is the content of the workshops?
It depends on the topic. Currently, we offer 7
whatever their pathology. We give each person
workshops:
helpful tips and encourage them to apply makeup that they can reproduce quickly and easily
The
“Hygiene
and
Hydration”
workshop
and that they are happy with.
concerns each patient’s everyday life: advice on
skin care routines, bad habits to be avoided, how
to apply an emollient cream, etc.
The “Relaxation” workshop to learn how to let
The “Alternatives to Scratching” workshop
go and evacuate everyday stress using simple,
helps patients deal with the problem of itching.
easy-to-reproduce methods.
Guilt feelings are assuaged (including those of the
patient’s
family
who
sometimes
have
an
inappropriate attitude. to the situation).
The “Expression Forum” run by a clinical
psychologist. Here, patients can share their
The "Applying emollients gently to children”
workshop. This technique softens the child’s skin
and restores well-being. It creates a special
moment between parent and child that makes
it easier to accept the treatment. Application
becomes a moment of pleasure.
experience with other people in similar situations
freely and fully, knowing that they will be listened
to
and
encouraged
to
talk
in
a
secure
environment.
“Diet and Nutrition” explains how diet plays an
important role in maintaining good health.
The
“Medical
make-up”
workshop,
is
designed to teach small groups of men and
women to harmoniously conceal imperfections
on the face and body,
Through the National Nutrition & Health Plan,
advice is given on how to change or strengthen
eating habits.
Testimonials
from our patients
Drawing by
Domitille
aged 8
½
Enter stage right, the magical water of Avène,
Queen of the Orb Valley, a priceless treasure.
Avène, reveal your gold to those who love you
And stay the same no matter what.
Crystal clear, daughter of life, dance for me.
Pure and transparent, rid me of my darkest fears
Audrey
Push back the black waters, fight and make me strong
Refuse sickness, give me hope.
aged
8 - France
Let me drink, absorb and possess you
Make us one and forget the past,
Let us drink until oblivion and total cure.
Infused, sprayed, bottled and capped,
Born again, more beautiful and more magnificent,
Testimonial from
Alliz
aged 38
Generous mother, at last you are mine.
Testimonial from
Charles
aged 47
The workshops are super so many wonderful simple tricks
that you don’t
always think of.
Thank you.
And what about the lectures?
The medical lectures we propose are very important for understanding skin diseases,
how treatment works and how to manage each person’s individual situation.
Avène Dermatological hydrotherapy Center provides an excellent venue for meeting
the needs and expectations of contemporary public health. Each patient and their
families spend three weeks in the Center which gives us the possibility of proposing
different public health themes.
“Hydrotherapy in Avène” traces the history of the Hydrotherapy Center and
the origin of the thermal spring water and describes how each dermatosis
responds to a specific type of treatment.
“Dermatology” tells you everything you need to know about atopic
dermatitis and psoriasis which account for more than 75% of the skin
diseases treated at Avène Dermatological Hydrotherapy Center.
Long-Yin Lam
3
YEARS – Hong Kong
Treatment at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center
means taking a major step towards well-being.
A step towards the doctors
and staff at the Hydrotherapy Center
who actively want to help you.
It also means taking a step towards the other patients,
and their families,
and everyone around you,
who suffers and hopes.
In doing so, you must adopt the Avène spirit to which we
are all committed.
THE AVÈNE SPIRIT
MEANS BRINGING TOGETHER
PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM
DISFIGURING DISEASES
IN THE SAME PLACE
AND WITH THE SAME HARMONY
SUCH AS PSORIASIS AND ECZEMA,
BURNS AND SCARS.
IT MEANS CONCILIATING EVERYONE'S RIGHTS
AND EVERYONE'S DUTIES.
IT MEANS SEEING OTHERS,
WHETHER BIG OR SMALL
WITH RESPECT,
UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE.
IT MEANS ACTING RESPONSIBLY AND
KINDLY ALL THE TIME
TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE'S INVOLVEMENT
IN THE TREATMENT STRATEGIES.
IT ALSO MEANS, IN ADDITION TO THE TREATMENT ITSELF,
BENEFITING FROM
A PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT AND TIME FRAME
TO MEET, TALK AND LISTEN,
FIND ONESELF
AND RECHARGE ONE'S BATTERIES.
Photographs :
D. Cabrol / J. David / D. Taillefer
Avène Hydrotherapy Center
dedicated to dermatology since 1743
www.avenecenter.com
PRESS OFFICE
PIERRE FABRE DERMO-COSMÉTIQUE :
Caroline DEMAZURE
Director of Communications
Martine BUTAULT
Assistant Director of International Communications
45, place Abel Gance
92654 Boulogne Cedex
FRANCE
Tél : +33 1 49 10 81 68
E-mail : [email protected]
Laboratoires dermatologiques Avène
45, place Abel-Gance, 92100 Boulogne
París - France
http://www.eau-thermal-avene.com