Trump's Neck Redness Tied to Preventative Cream, Doctor Says
Dr. Sean Barbabella said a 'very common' prescribed cream is causing redness seen in photos; the White House declined to say what condition is being treated.
Overview
Photographs from a Medal of Honor ceremony on March 2 showed a large red spot on the right side of President Trump's neck, drawing widespread attention.
News photographers had captured close-up images earlier, with visible redness present in images from Feb. 19 at the U.S. Institute of Peace, prompting questions about the cause.
Dr. Sean Barbabella said in a statement the president is using a "very common cream" prescribed by the White House doctor as a preventive skin treatment and that it is being used for one week.
The president, 79, had an April 2025 physical noting mometasone cream "as needed," and Barbabella said in December that October imaging of Trump's heart and abdomen was "perfectly normal."
The White House did not specify the cream's name, when treatment began, or what condition it is intended to prevent, and it did not immediately answer follow-up questions.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this as a straightforward factual account, emphasizing documented statements and observable photos while noting unanswered questions. They rely on official quotes (White House doctor), note past medical records, and avoid speculative language. Examples include quoting the doctor's statement, citing the medical report, and reporting the absence of follow-up answers.
FAQ
The White House has not specified the name of the cream, but Dr. Sean Barbabella described it as a 'very common' prescribed preventative skin treatment cream being used for one week.
Common side effects include burning, itching, irritation, dryness, redness, flaking, and skin thinning, especially with prolonged use.
Yes, Dr. Sean Barbabella stated that the redness seen in photos is caused by the very common prescribed cream used as a preventive skin treatment.
The White House did not specify the condition being prevented or when the treatment began, despite follow-up questions.
