The President of the United States, Donald Trump, appeared at a White House event on Monday with a visible red rash on his neck, which his physician described as the result of a “preventative” skin treatment.
An AFP photograph captured a red patch with several brownish scabs visible above the shirt collar on the right side of the 79-year-old president’s neck.
In a statement to AFP, presidential physician Sean Barbabella said the rash was linked to a prescribed topical medication.
Barbabella said, “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.
“The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”
The rash was noticed during a Medal of Honour presentation ceremony at the White House, following a weekend in which Trump announced US military strikes on Iran.
Trump, the oldest person ever elected US president, has previously been photographed with bruises on his hands, which the White House attributed to aspirin use.
There has also been public discussion about his health in recent months, including visible leg swelling and moments where he appeared to doze during public engagements.
Last summer, the White House disclosed that the swelling in Trump’s legs had been diagnosed as chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in which faulty vein valves cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to swelling, cramping and skin changes.
