Management of Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Impairment-Related Diseases: The Experience at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center

Chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis, are often linked to skin barrier dysfunction and altered immune responses. Effective management of these skin conditions can involve both medical and non-medical approaches, such as hydrotherapy. This review, based on a summary of conference proceedings from physicians and dermatologists, highlights the specific skin therapeutic properties of Avène thermal spring water (ATSW) and provides an overview of evidence supporting its clinical efficacy for managing dermatological conditions and post-procedural complications, whether used alone or as part of a combined regimen. Furthermore, this review summarizes cumulative clinical evidence and patient experiences highlighting how the 3-week hydrotherapy program offered at the Avène thermal center in France, incorporating ATSW and its derived products, can provide notable benefits for both adult and pediatric patients with chronic inflammatory skin diseases. The immediate and long-term benefits of this hydrotherapy program on skin symptoms and its positive impact on patient quality of life (QoL) are also discussed. Finally, to allow more patients to benefit from the properties of ATSW, suggestions proposed by dermatologists for the use of modified protocols involving in-office and at-home skincare routines, patient education, and the use of ATSW-derived products, are described. Overall, the findings gathered in this narrative review support the use of a combination of therapeutic and holistic approaches, along with follow-up skincare routines, as a valuable management strategy for improving the condition of the skin and QoL of patients affected by burdensome chronic inflammatory skin diseases.