Every person’s skin has its own story

How did you find out about the Avène Hydrotherapy Center?

From my daughter’s paediatrician. Milena has been suffering from atopic dermatitis for the past six months. It is characterised by plaques in the hollows of the elbows and knees, sometimes also appearing on the back or stomach. Today, at four and a half years old, she says that it burns her, that it stings, that it itches. Her skin is very dry. The itchiness starts as soon as she wakes up and comes back in the evening and during the night. It’s hard to live with every day. We feel powerless.

What did you discover at Avène? 

We came both for the benefits of Avène Thermal Spring Water and for the workshops and conferences organised on atopic dermatitis. We really needed both. With the treatments, Milena’s skin feels less grainy, it is less itchy. My daughter loves the bubbles in particular. And my husband and I take turns attending the workshops. These parent-child skin health education sessions also allow us to interact with other families, to feel less alone. And to have a special time with caregivers.

How do you envisage the future following the thermal treatment for Milena's atopic dermatitis?

At the end of the thermal treatment, with the dermatologist, we were able to see a clear improvement in Milena’s skin. The workshops have also been useful for us. They are designed for children, so my daughter was able to understand the importance of daily care. She has also learned a few alternatives to scratching. I learned how to apply the cream well. These three weeks have encouraged us to get back into good habits, we are determined to continue at home to prolong the benefits of the thermal treatment. We’re looking forward to coming back here next year!