President Donald Trump appeared at the White House on Monday with a noticeable red patch on the right side of his neck while presenting the Medal of Honor to Vietnam veteran Terry P. Richardson, drawing more attention to his health.
In a statement, presidential physician Dr. Sean Barbabella explained that Trump “is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment.” He added that the president would use it “for one week” and that “the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”
The administration did not reveal the cream’s name or specify what condition it was meant to prevent. The Associated Press noted that the White House did not respond to follow-up questions about the medication or the underlying issue.
As images spread online, several doctors and medical experts warned that photos alone cannot confirm a diagnosis, but they pointed out possible explanations that fit the White House’s description of a “preventative” treatment.
Dr. Zachary Rubin, a clinical immunologist who shares educational videos online, mentioned that a “pre-cancerous lesion” could be one explanation. Per Raw Story, he referred to actinic keratosis, a condition related to sun damage that can be treated to lower the risk of it progressing to squamous cell carcinoma. Rubin also suggested that contact dermatitis and shingles could be other possibilities, while stressing the limitations of assessing a skin condition from just one image.
Rubin highlighted topical 5-fluorouracil, often called 5-FU, as a common treatment for actinic keratoses. He explained that this treatment can make the skin look very red and irritated while it works.
Dr. Vin Gupta, a medical analyst for MS NOW, separately mentioned that the neck irritation might be “pre-cancerous” and he criticized the lack of detail in the White House’s explanation.
President Donald Trump’s new neck rash is due to a “preventative skin treatment” cream, according to his personal physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella.
The rash appeared on the right side of Trump’s neck and is expected to last a few weeks.
Trump, 79, has been using the cream for a… pic.twitter.com/vL9a6nOAOL
— OG Jossy (@Jossy0025) March 3, 2026
This incident occurred amid ongoing interest in Trump’s health as the oldest president to serve in office at age 79 – a few months shy of 80. It followed previous questions about visible bruising on his hands and earlier reports on medical evaluations. The AP also reported that photos from a February 19 event showed a similar marking on Trump’s neck. An April 2025 medical report stated Trump used mometasone cream “as needed” for a skin condition without specifying the diagnosis.
Other reports indicated that the White House has given routine explanations for visible marks in recent months, including attributing bruising to frequent handshakes and mentioning Trump’s daily aspirin use.
Dermatologists frequently treat actinic keratoses, which can look like rough, scaly, or reddened patches, since some may progress to skin cancer over time. Treatments can involve freezing, topical medications like 5-FU, and other office procedures. Physicians who spoke publicly noted that visible redness during treatment is a known effect.
The White House has not provided any further medical details beyond Barbabella’s statement, and no official diagnosis has been given.
