Donald Trump's personal physician has been forced to issue a statement after photos emerged showing a large scabbing rash appearing on the US president's neck.
People began speculating over the 79-year-old's health after the rash became visible during the Medal of Honor Ceremony yesterday (2 March).
This isn't the first time Trump's health has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, of course, particularly after he was spotted with makeup on his hand in February, which was believed to be an attempt to cover bruises.
However, Trump, who became the oldest man to assume the presidency when he returned for a second term, has always maintained that there's nothing wrong with his health, telling The Wall Street Journal this year: "My health is perfect."
Donald Trump's rash explained
According to his doctor, Sean Barbabella, the rash seen yesterday was caused by a cream Trump has been using as a 'preventative skin treatment'.
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In a statement, the medical professional said: "President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment.
"The President is using the treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks."
However, Dr Barbabella didn't give any indication as to what the cream could be for or why the president needs the treatment.
Trump's consistent bruising
He has since appeared in public with bruises on his hands on a number of different occasions, which has been attributed to his taking a higher daily dose of aspirin than advised, which makes him prone to bruising.
During his interview with the Wall Street Journal in January, he said: "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart.
"I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?"
However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously said Trump had bruises on his hand 'because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.'
Elsewhere, concerns have been raised after Trump appeared drowsy during a cabinet meeting in December and at a meeting to promote lower-cost GLP-1 weight-loss medications, which he denied to the Wall Street Journal, saying he has always gotten by on little sleep.
What has the White House said about Trump's health?
In July 2025, the White House stated that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after he noticed swelling in his legs.
"The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies," officials said at the time.
"Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70."
In the past, the president has expressed his frustration with the speculation over his health and admits he regrets undergoing a cardiovascular and abdominal advanced imaging scan last year, as it 'gave them a little ammunition'.
Earlier this year, when asked who in the US cabinet had the 'most unhinged eating habits', Secretary of Health Robert F Kennedy Jr said Trump 'eats really bad food', but only when he is travelling.
He then went on to say that otherwise, he 'does eat pretty good food', adding: "I mean, he's in incredible health."
Who are the oldest presidents in US history?
According to data from Statista, these are the oldest presidents at the time of their inauguration:
- Donald Trump (2025 - second term): 78 years, 220 days
- Joe Biden (2021): 78 years, 61 days
- Donald Trump (2017 - first term): 70 years, 220 days
- Ronald Reagan (1981 - first term)
- William H. Harrison (1841): 68 years, 23 days
Topics: US News, Donald Trump, Health
Emma Rosemurgey