What caused Donald Trump's red neck rash? Here's what the White House doctor explains

Donald Trump drew attention this week after photographers captured a visible red rash on the back of his neck during an event at the White House. Images circulating online quickly raised questions about the mark. Soon after the photos spread on social media, the president’s doctor issued a statement explaining the cause.

Images captured by AFP photographer Saul Loeb showed a noticeable red mark peeking above the collar of the president’s shirt. In one photograph, what appeared to be a large scab was visible, prompting speculation online about what might have caused the irritation.

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What was seen in photos of Donald Trump’s neck?

The photographs circulated widely after the president addressed reporters at the White House. The images showed a red rash on the right side of his neck, which quickly became a topic of discussion on social media.

Possible explanations for a red rash can include conditions such as contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, heat rash, or even shingles, as per a report by The New Republic.

Photos from the same photographer also showed discoloration on the president’s right hand. Since July, Trump has been seen several times with a large bruise on the back of his hand, although the mark has sometimes appeared on his left hand in other instances.

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What explanation did the White House doctor provide?

Later Monday, Trump’s physician provided an official explanation. Dr. Sean Barbabella told reporters that the redness was linked to a prescribed treatment.

President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatmen." “The President is using the treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks," Dr. Sean Barbabella said in a statement, as quoted in a report by CNN.

According to the statement, the cream is intended as a preventive skin treatment and the visible redness is a temporary effect.

Why did the rash raise questions online?

The mark drew particular attention because it appeared during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, where cameras captured close-up images of the president. The doctor’s statement came after discussion about the rash began circulating on social media.

Alayna Treene commented after the explanation was released, writing, “The question now is what exactly is this a preventative for? And why does the president need this treatment?”

While the White House confirmed the redness was connected to a prescribed cream, the images continued to spark conversation online as people speculated about the visible mark captured during the event, as per a report by Newsweek.

FAQs

Why did Donald Trump have a red rash on his neck?
His doctor said it was caused by a preventive topical skin treatment prescribed by the White House physician.

How long will the redness last?
According to the doctor, the cream is used for one week but the redness may remain visible for several weeks.