Rally Dunkirk and Nice, by bike, in eleven days. This is the challenge that Jean-Benoît Canis has just accomplished. The 33-year-old man has had psoriasis since he was 18.
But what is psoriasis? A chronic inflammatory disease which can present a cutaneous and/or articular form. Symptoms are inflamed red patches on the body or pain in the joints. Absolutely not contagious, the disease includes a part of genetic component, and triggering factors such as stress. In France, 2.5 million people are affected by psoriasis.
Exercising to get by
This is the case of Jean-Benoît Canis since he was 18 years old. And it was sport that helped him out. “I do a lot of triathlons. It allows me to be good in my head and in my skin”, says the cyclist at the end of his journey. Considered mild, the disease can seriously affect self-esteem.
“I have already been made comments, asking me if I had burned myself. 18 is the age when you start to go out, to know people. It’s not easysays the one who also experienced the outbreaks of plaques on the face. I no longer went to the pool or the beach.”
1,500 euros raised for research
The goal of this sporting challenge? First, €1,500 was collected for research on the disease. Then, it is a question of sensitizing the general public. “There are still too many misconceptions regarding psoriasis, like what it is contagious or due to a lack of hygiene”, regrets Bénédicte Charles, president of the France psoriasis association, who accompanies Jean-Benoît Canis in his approach. She insists on a point that she considers essential: “Even if you refuse treatment, you must be followed by a doctor.”
