Finance Minister Jim Flaherty being treated for rare skin condition
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, 63, has ended months of speculation about his health after admitting that he is being treated for a rare skin condition.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has gone public in a deeply personal interview with The Globe and Mail to explain some recent changes to his appearance. To quell concerns that his face has grown bloated and puffy and heâs gained a significant amount of weight, Flaherty gave the interview, explaining that he has a rare skin disease, called bullous pemphigoid, that requires strong steroid treatment. Flaherty is shown responding to a question during question period in the House of Commons Monday January 28, 2013 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
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Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, 63, has ended months of speculation about his health after admitting that he is being treated for a rare skin condition.
In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Flaherty said that he has a condition called bullous pemphigoid, which must be treated with the steroid drug prednisone. That steroid has visible side effects, including puffy face and weight gain. It can also cause difficulty sleeping.
Flaherty told The Globe and Mail that he has been getting too many questions about his appearance lately and it was time to let citizens know what was going on and to reassure them that his health is not affecting his ability to do his job.
Flaherty said he has also spoken with Prime Minister Stephen Harper about his health issue.
“I would like those people who have been concerned about my health to be reassured that it is a skin problem that is getting better and will pass with some more time, and that my ability to do my job is not affected by this condition,” Mr. Flaherty told The Globe and Mail.
Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder that causes itchy blisters and rash, usually on the arms, legs and torso. It is most common in people over 60. Its cause is not known.