Why does Trump have red marks on his neck? White House doctor explains

Fresh questions about President Donald Trump’s health surfaced this week after noticeable red markings appeared on the right side of his neck during public appearances. The discoloration, visible during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House and in photos from his recent State of the Union address, quickly sparked speculation online.

Now, the president’s personal physician has addressed the issue directly.

According to Dr. Sean Barbabella, President Trump is undergoing a short-term “preventative skin treatment” that involves applying what he described as a “very common cream.” In a statement provided to NBC News and later echoed by other outlets, Barbabella explained that the redness is a temporary side effect of the medication.

“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,” Barbabella said. “The President is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”

However, the doctor did not disclose the name of the cream or clarify the exact medical reason behind the preventative treatment. The White House has also declined to provide additional details.

When Was the Redness First Noticed?

The irritated patch of skin was clearly visible as Trump delivered remarks during a Medal of Honor ceremony earlier this week. It extended slightly above his shirt collar and just beneath his ear. Observers had also noticed similar redness in images from his recent address to Congress at the U.S. Capitol.

While some critics and commentators speculated about potential underlying health concerns, the official explanation from the White House physician frames the issue as routine and non-serious.

Ongoing Health Scrutiny

At 79 years old and turning 80 in June, Trump remains the oldest person ever elected president. His age has prompted consistent public scrutiny regarding his health and physical condition.

In recent months, observers have also pointed out visible bruising on the back of his hands. Trump previously addressed those concerns himself, attributing the bruises to frequent handshaking and his long-term use of a higher-than-recommended dose of aspirin.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump said he takes aspirin to help thin his blood, adding that while it contributes to bruising, it is something he has done for years.

The White House previously stated that one visible bruise earlier this year resulted from extensive handshaking.

Recent Medical Exams

President Trump underwent his annual physical in April 2025 and later had another routine checkup in October of the same year. During that period, Trump told reporters he had undergone imaging tests, initially referring to them as an MRI and later clarifying that it was actually a CT scan.

Dr. Barbabella later explained that the imaging focused on Trump’s cardiovascular system and abdomen. He described the results as “perfectly normal” and emphasized that the scans were preventative in nature.

“The purpose of this imaging is preventive: to identify issues early, confirm overall health, and ensure he maintains long-term vitality and function,” Barbabella previously stated.

In December, the physician reaffirmed that Trump “remains in excellent overall health.”

What This Means

While the redness on Trump’s neck has fueled online speculation, the official explanation suggests the issue is minor and temporary. Preventative skin treatments are common in older adults and can sometimes cause short-term irritation or redness, particularly if the cream contains active ingredients designed to treat sun damage or other dermatological concerns.

For now, the White House maintains there is no broader health concern linked to the visible markings.

FAQ

Why does President Trump have red marks on his neck?
His doctor says the redness is caused by a preventative skin treatment using a common cream.

Is the condition serious?
According to his physician, it is temporary and expected to fade within a few weeks.

Did the White House name the medication?
No, the specific cream or medical reason has not been disclosed.

Has Trump faced health concerns before?
There have been questions about bruising on his hands and routine imaging exams, but his doctor has consistently described him as being in excellent health.

How old is President Trump?
He is currently 79 and will turn 80 in June.