Trump neck rash draws scrutiny as White House physician clarifies health concerns
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump sparked fresh health speculation after he appeared in public with a noticeable rash on the right side of his neck.
The 79-year-old commander-in-chief was photographed on Monday, March 2, while presiding over a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. Images from the event showed a patch of redness stretching along the right side of his neck, prompting immediate questions online.
whoa -- this is new. Trump has a significant rash-like injury on his neck today in addition to his disfigured hand
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 2, 2026
(Saul Loeb/Getty) pic.twitter.com/H3PbltNCAE
As the photos circulated, the White House moved quickly to address the matter.
White House physician attributes rash to ‘preventative’ treatment
In a statement to PEOPLE, White House physician Dr Sean Barbabella downplayed concerns, saying the redness was linked to a topical treatment.
“President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment, prescribed by the White House Doctor,” the statement read.
Barbabella added, “The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”
The physician did not provide additional details about the specific cream or the underlying condition it is meant to prevent. The lack of specifics left room for speculation.
Photos suggest the redness may have first appeared during Trump’s Friday trip to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he stood alongside actor Denis Quaid. However, by Monday, the irritation appeared more pronounced.
Observers also noted that the skin behind his right ear looked scabbed and slightly flaking as he addressed the war in Iran publicly for the first time since strikes began over the weekend.
Online reactions to Trump's rash range from jokes to medical guesses
With limited details from the White House, social media users quickly filled the gap.
“Shingles?” asked podcaster Jack Hopkins.
A doctor suggested, "Looks like C2/C3 herpes zoster (shingles) or irritant dermatitis from collar or hair products or something."
Looks like C2/C3 herpes zoster (shingles) or irritant dermatitis from collar or hair products or something.
— Jake Scott, MD (@jakescottMD) March 2, 2026
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office posted a photo of Trump’s neck with a string of eye emojis, adding to the online chatter.
Some observers speculated whether the redness could be a reaction to anti-skin cancer prescription medication such as Fluorouracil, commonly known as 5-FU.
However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding the type of treatment being used.
Ongoing scrutiny over Trump’s health
The rash is not the first time Trump’s physical condition has drawn public attention.
In the past, he has faced questions about frequent bruising on his hands. The administration has attributed those marks to his habit of shaking many hands daily and his use of aspirin.
Trump has also publicly revealed that he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that causes swelling in the legs.
Since returning to the office in 2025, rumors have circulated about his health, including claims that he wears a urinary catheter, falls asleep during meetings, and limps while at Mar-a-Lago.
None of those claims has been substantiated, and the White House has consistently denied them.
Trump and his team continue to insist that he is in strong health. The president has even gone so far as to claim he is healthier than former President Barack Obama.
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