With 400,000 spa therapies provided since 1905, the date of the Centre of Thermal Dermatology’s opening, thousands of patients with chronic skin diseases and skin sequelae have seen the condition of their skin improve and the inconveniences linked to their ailments significantly reduced thanks to the unique dermatological properties of La Roche-Posay thermal spring water.

Every year nearly 8,000 people being treated at the spa, 30% of which are children, benefit from care that is approved and paid for by French Social Security, making La Roche-Posay Europe’s leading Centre of Thermal Dermatology.

Under the management of a team of 10 independent dermatologists, numerous inflammatory skin ailments are treated: 40% eczema and/or atopic dermatitis, 40% psoriasis, 15% scars and burns, 5% severe acne and rosacea (1). More recently, thermal spa therapy has also been offered to patients following treatment for breast cancer.

(1). Distribution of spa patients by ailment. 2009

Immediate and lasting benefits for the skin
For example,
- for people suffering from eczema, a thermal spa therapy stay can:

• improve the patient’s clinical condition by 64% after taking the waters for 21 days and by 56% 6 months after treatment
• purify their skin and soothe itching
• fight cross-infection and lichenification
• help them sleep better
• improve quality of life

• significantly improve inflamed areas, dermatitis, and flaky patches associated with this ailment
• lighten skin legions
• make relapses less frequent, and reduce the need for corticoids.

The spa therapies last 21 days. Patients are monitored by dermatologists every day and the different treatments given have very specific objectives:

• The Filiform Shower, an essential medical aspect of the thermal spa treatment, is carried out exclusively by the thermal doctor. It cleanses the skin and removes lesions, while massaging deep into the dermis and having a soothing, anti-itching effect.
• The fine projections of pressurized water, apply a very gentle, silicated, calcic dressing onto the epidermis. This particularly pleasant and soothing treatment is emollient and assists healing.
• The baths, simple or hydrotherapy, have a decongestant and relaxing action.