Skin diseases affect one in three French people.

Often benign, they can however be the source of psychological suffering when they drag on.

Laurent Misery, head of the dermatology department of the University Hospital of Brest, explains to the microphone of Europe 1 how to recognize and treat three very common skin disorders. 

INTERVIEW

In France, one in three people suffers from a skin disease.

Acne, eczema, psoriasis… The skin can be the carrier of a multitude of diseases, often benign but always annoying, sometimes at the origin of mental suffering.

It is therefore crucial to pay as much attention to it as possible, explain Laurent Misery, head of the dermatology department of the Brest CHU

, 

guest of

Sans Rendez-vous on

 Friday.

At the microphone of Europe 1, he reviewed three benign but very widespread diseases, which should be treated with the greatest care.

Acne and its "vicious circle"

Acne is often viewed as a teenage problem.

While it is true that 80% of young French people suffer from it, the problem can however persist into adulthood.

30% of women are affected and 5% of men.

If the gap widens in adulthood, it is because the causes of acne change with age.

"In adolescence, it often results from a state of hormonal instability, to which is added an inflammation of the skin. In adults, it is more complicated", explains Laurent Misery.

If women are more affected, it is because acne can be linked to hormonal imbalances induced by the contraceptive pill or by perimenopause. 

Another cause of acne: stress.

"The problem is, it's a vicious cycle. Acne is caused by stress and acne itself causes stress. You have to break that circle with effective treatments."

Isotretioin (active ingredient in generics of Roaccutane) is used in particular to treat severe acne.

For less severe cases, many tablets and creams can be prescribed by dermatologists.

If it may seem anecdotal to those who have never suffered from it, acne is not to be taken lightly.

"A Norwegian study recently established that 25% of adolescents with acne have thoughts of suicide," recalls the doctor. 

Eczema, a very common but well-treated disease

Eczema is one of the most widespread skin diseases: in France, it affects around 10 million people.

It appears as early as three months in infants and sometimes disappears permanently in adolescence.

This disease is either genetic or caused by an allergy or a specific substance.

"In this case, we speak of contact eczema. Otherwise, it is a so-called atopic eczema, without particular topography, which can be diffused on all the body. It appears in 20% of infants." 

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In this regard, the standard treatment is corticosteroid cream.

Tablets or injections should be avoided as far as possible because they can cause significant side effects, recalls Laurent Misery.

While moisturizer does not prevent the onset of eczema, it is useful for nourishing dry skin at the patches. 

Psoriasis and its top remedies

Psoriasis affects around 4 million people in France.

Patients with it have red, delineated, itchy patches on the body.

Unlike eczema, the patches of psoriasis peel.

This skin disease, of genetic origin, cannot be cured.

But with proper treatment, lesions can be put to sleep.

"Biotherapies are used in particular as well as subcutaneous injections. All forms of psoriasis can now be reduced," says Laurent Misery.