Q+A FRANCIS CANET Avène initiatives battling childhood eczema
In cooperation with the Chinese Dermatologist Association and 20 hospitals, the French multinational pharmaceutical and cosmetics company Laboratoires Pierre Fabre has launched the “1,000 Families: Better Life with Eczema” program. The move aims to give more support to affected families in China. Francis Canet, general manager of Pierre Fabre (China) talked with China Daily to explain more about the program. What is the “1,000 families” program?
In 2014, Avène, a subsidiary of Pierre Fabre, cooperated with the Chinese Dermatologist Association and 20 authoritative hospitals to launch the “1,000 Families: Better Life with Eczema” program.
From July 1 to August 31, parents of children suffering from eczema can visit http://www.eau-thermale-avene.cn/ eczemakids/ to register for their children. Avène will randomly select 1,000 families from the applicants to offer them a special skin care product package for eczema treatment worth 2,500 yuan ($407).
Statistics show that more than three million Chinese children are suffering from atopic dermatitis, a kind of eczema.
Due to exterior factors such as environmental pollution and food issues, the number is expected to rise. What is the purpose of the program in China?
Eczema is a common skin disease among infants and children. As it causes pruritus — or severe itchiness — and recurs, it not only makes children unhappy, but also increases the burden on their families.
Avène, as a skin care brand under the third-biggest pharmaceutical group in France, has developed effective products for mitigating pruritus. It has also accumulated deep expertise in eczema care.
Since it entered the Chinese market in 2004, Avène has been active in taking care of children affected by eczema and atopic dermatitis.
We hope to repay society by providing effective products. We also coordinate with leading medical organizations, the media and professionals to make a long-term commitment in this field.
Avène’s gift pack contains some special care products and handbooks on eczema treatment.
Meanwhile, Avène also hopes to teach parents how to prevent eczema and help children increase their skin resistance by using safe and effective products. What are the benefits if they join the program?
Children participating in the program have access to our help in the following two ways:
After their family logs on the official website of the campaign to register as an applicant, Avène will randomly select 1,000 families for free eczema care packages.
It includes a manual on eczema care, a baby growth diary, six tubes of Trixera Emollient Cream and six bottles of Thermal Spring Water for soothing skin.
Avène also imparts eczema care knowledge and methods through micro blogs, WeChat and other Internet forums. What are the main factors that supported Avène to become a leader in eczema treatment?
Avène hopes to help more eczema-affected Chinese children and their families to know about products and knowledge to help their suffering and regain their health and happiness.
Avène also hopes to teach the parents how to prevent eczema by spreading knowledge in an ultimate effort to increase children’s skin resistance by using safe and effective products. Why choose Avène’s eczema treatment products?
Trixera Emollient Cream is applicable to specially dry and atopic skin. The triple moistening formula moistens and relieves dry skin, relieves itching and stops desquamation.
It does not contain any paraben or perfume. It is very suitable for care of dry skin in infants, children and adults.
Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray is bottled directly from natural spring water without any bacteria.
It contains low mineral content silicon dioxide and the double characteristics of stable minerals and biology, which have a significant effect on soothing skin irritation, erythema and dry discomfort.
The Avène thermal spring source is certified by Aquacert HACCP Thermalisme, whose reputation in treating eczema is long established. And every year a Chinese child receives treatment at the Avène Hydrotherapy Center?
A: Since it began doing business in China in 2004, Avène has supported a Chinese child with atopic dermatitis for free treatment at our center in France in the company of their mother every year.
The treatment lasts three weeks. In the center, skin experts provide a customized treatment course for the child according their individual condition.
Besides the daily spa treatment, other treatment measures include tub bathing, soaking and packing.
The center also offers guidance and education for overall care of the child. Is there similar treatment in China?
Unfortunately, we cannot find similar treatment in China.
The basis of the Avène center is the thermal spring’s water. Its natural characteristics for soothing the skin cannot be copied. Could you share Pierre Fabre’s charity plan on eczema prevention and treatment in China with us?
Avène’s care for the group vulnerable to eczema is not eye-catching publicity, but a long-term commitment.
In addition to the programs I’ve outlined, Avène will roll out new initiatives. This is an open question, which leave smy answer open. But one thing I’m sure of is that Avène will never stop caring for and helping children suffering with eczema.