Efficacy and safety of a topically applied Avène spring water spray in the healing of facial skin after laser resurfacing.

background. Although laser resurfacing is a well-accepted treatment, tolerance problems may preclude patient's acceptance of the procedure. Post-laser protracted erythema is a prime problem, associated with the symptoms of pain, itching, stinging and tightening. objective. The present study was conducted to evaluate a low-salt medical spring water (Avene, Avene-les-Bains, France), in conjunction with the standard use of an emollient, to improve tolerance by hydrating the postlaser skin. methods. A controlled, randomized, open-labeled, multicentric and two parallel group study was completed after 84 days in 74 patients, 34 applying a petrolatum ointment alone (control group), and 40 applying petrolatum ointment in association with the Avene spring water spray ad libitum (water group). results. The water spray showed a pronounced effect on reducing erythema, from the second week of postlaser onwards, with a statistically significant difference in favor of the water group compared with the control group (p≤ 0.04 from day 14 to day 84, except a non-significant trend on day 28). In addition, the water spray was found to significantly reduce itching on day 28 (p < 0.05), and stinging and tightening on day 14 and day 21 (p < 0.05). Pain was not modified by the water. conclusion. Topical water appears to be a helpful adjunctive treatment to petrolatum ointment for counteracting erythema, itching, stinging and tightening during the postlaser treatment period.