Mystery mark on Trump’s neck explained as the president’s doctor blames ‘preventative skin treatment’

Donald Trump’s personal doctor has responded to questions from reporters about a red mark on the president’s neck.

A rash on the right side of Donald Trump’s neck was caused by a cream that he’s using as a “preventative skin treatment,” according to the president’s personal doctor.

The red mark was visible on Trump’s neck as he spoke during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on Monday EST, prompting questions from reporters.

It was also spotted during his State of the Union address at the Capitol last week.

“President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment,” Dr. Sean Barbabella told media in a statement.

The red mark was visible on Trump’s neck as he spoke during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on Monday EST. Picture: Saul Loeb/AFP
“The president is using the treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”

Dr Barbabella did not specify why Trump needed the skin treatment or what the cream was.

Trump, 79, is the oldest president to take office and has often faced questions about his health — including bruising on his hands, which he has attributed to frequent handshaking and a higher-than-recommended daily dose of aspirin.

“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” he previously told The Wall Street Journal.

“I take the larger one, but I’ve done it for years, and what it does do is it causes bruising.”

Donald Trump’s personal physician has responded to questions from reporters regarding a noticeable red mark on the former president’s neck, which recently drew public attention during several high-profile appearances.

According to the doctor, the rash on the right side of Trump’s neck is the result of a topical cream that the president is currently using as part of a preventative skin treatment. The explanation was provided after journalists repeatedly asked about the visible redness during official events.

The mark became particularly noticeable during a Medal of Honor ceremony held at the White House on Monday (EST). As Trump addressed attendees and honored the recipient, cameras captured the reddish patch on the side of his neck. Because the event was widely photographed and broadcast, the mark quickly became a subject of discussion among reporters and observers.

The same red patch had also been seen earlier during Trump’s State of the Union address at the U.S. Capitol the previous week. Images from that appearance circulated widely online, prompting further speculation about the possible cause of the discoloration.

In response to the growing curiosity, Trump’s personal doctor, Dr. Sean Barbabella, issued a statement clarifying the situation.

“President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment,” Dr. Barbabella told media outlets.

He explained that the cream had only recently begun to be used and that temporary redness can be a normal reaction during the course of treatment.

“The president has been using the treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks,” Barbabella added.

However, the doctor did not provide additional details about the exact medical reason for the treatment or the specific name of the cream being used. As a result, some questions remain unanswered about what condition the medication is intended to prevent or treat.

Public curiosity about Trump’s health is not unusual. At 79 years old, he is the oldest person to take office as president of the United States, and his physical condition has frequently been the subject of public and media attention throughout his political career.

In recent years, observers have also noticed bruising on Trump’s hands during public appearances and photographs. These marks have similarly sparked questions from reporters and commentators.

Trump himself has previously addressed the issue, offering an explanation during an interview with The Wall Street Journal. According to him, the bruising is partly caused by the large number of people he greets and shakes hands with during political events and public engagements.

Another factor, he said, is his daily use of aspirin.

“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump told the newspaper.

He acknowledged that he takes a larger dose than what is often recommended, something he says he has done for many years.

“I take the larger one, but I’ve done it for years,” he explained. “And what it does do is it causes bruising.”

Aspirin is commonly used as a blood-thinning medication to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly among older adults or individuals with certain cardiovascular risk factors. However, one of the well-known side effects of regular aspirin use is increased susceptibility to bruising or minor bleeding, since the medication affects the blood’s ability to clot.

Health experts often note that visible bruising or skin changes can become more common with age as well, since skin becomes thinner and blood vessels more fragile over time.

Despite periodic speculation, Trump’s doctors have generally maintained that he remains in good overall health. Medical summaries released during his time in public office have described him as physically active and capable of carrying out the demanding responsibilities associated with the presidency.

Nevertheless, because political leaders operate under intense public scrutiny, even minor physical changes—such as a rash, bruise, or cough—can quickly become the focus of widespread attention.

For now, according to his physician, the red mark on Trump’s neck appears to be a temporary side effect of a routine skin treatment rather than a sign of a serious medical issue. The redness is expected to fade within several weeks as the treatment continues.

Until then, the mark may remain visible during public appearances, continuing to draw occasional notice from observers and the media.