Donald Trump’s neck rash due to ‘common’ cream as White House explains skin treatment

US President Donald Trump has developed a large rash on the side of his neck which was clearly visible above his collar as he provided updates on the war with Iran during a medal of honour ceremony.

The red skin condition appeared to stretch up his neck and finish just below his hairline, prompting inquiries from the press gallery after photographers snapped close-up images of the rash.

Officials at the White House later explained that the area had become inflamed due to a skin cream the president has been using, but would not elaborate on the reason he was using it.

“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,” said the president’s doctor, US Navy Captain Sean Barbabella.

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

In October Barbabella issued a statement saying Mr Trump “continues to demonstrate excellent overall health”, AAP reports..

Zoomed-in photos from at least as far back as the Board of Peace meeting at the US Institute of Peace on February 19 show visible redness on the president’s neck.

The president’s medical report from his April 2025 physical noted that he was taking mometasone cream “as needed” for an unspecified skin condition.

Mr Trump, 79, became the oldest president to have taken the oath of office when he was sworn in last January. Because of his advanced age, his health is being closely scrutinised.

Barbabella said in December that Mr Trump had MRI imaging on his heart and abdomen in October as part of preventive screening for men his age, with the results being “perfectly normal”.