Pr Philippe Humbert
Dry skin condition is a subject that is both frequent and commonplace for the clinician; yet one that remains mysterious in the case of atopic dermatitis particularly as regards its mechanisms of action, role, biochemical bases or measuring abilities.
The various congresses of Dermatology are rarely the occasion to discuss this subject in depth. This is why we should take advantage of the opportunity that is given to us today and discuss or exchange ideas on atopic dry skin with experts of different backgrounds and specialties, associating university or private practice dermatologists, specialists in biometrology, biochemistry, cutaneous pharmacology...
“How many things must be ignored before action is taken” Paul Valéry
Common but which concerns us all, dry skin has to be managed clinically and therapeutically by the clinician since he/she knows so well the semiological value of this symptom, and the clear need of restoring the skin’s barrier function.
On the other hand, it is very difficult to give a precise definition of dry skin. One can hardly oppose it with wet or even oily skin.
We may also think of Kligman’s question“is dry skin dry?”.
The clinical definition would therefore be psycho-sensory (does the term xerosis mean the same as the term dry skin?), or biometrological (notably as regards modifications of the barrier function) and certainly physiopathological (are we faced with a deficient, weakened skin?)
Dry skin is in fact a condition that is related to structural, metabolic, and hence functional abnormalities.
Finally, one should wonder on the need and the way to provide hydration to the skin and see exactly what is understood by the term “hydrate”.
“If you close the door to all errors, the truth will remain outside” Tagore
Discussions should generate a vast amount of information from everyone of us. May the truth, but also uncertainties, arise from this meeting, which I’m sure will only reinforce our craving for knowledge.
From left to right and from bottom up:
Peter Elsner, Annick Pons-Guiraud, Christian Moussard,
Pierre Agache,
Anne-Marie Schmitt, Jean-François Stalder,
Yves de Prost,
Rose-Angélique Belot, Philippe Humbert,
Jean-Paul Marty,
Mireille Oudet, Jean-Marie Pibourdin,
Etienne André, Thierry Simon, Jean-Paul Caubère
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