Originally published on 3/3/26

While speaking at the Medal of Honor Ceremony on Monday, March 2, President Donald Trump, 79, appeared to have a large rash on the right side of his neck. These marks appeared a little over a month after the President was spotted with a bruise on his hand at the World Economic Forum (WEF). Now, many Americans are wondering if the rash could be a symptom of shingles or something worse. Below we share everything you need to know about President Trump’s neck rash, including potential causes and cures. 

What President Trump’s doctor said about his neck rash  

“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,” Sean Barbabella, MD, the president’s personal physician, explained to NBC News. “The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.” 

He did not share why President Trump was prescribed this cream, or if it had anything to do with the president’s previous bruises and chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis. 

What can cause a rash on the neck? 

It’s not uncommon for someone to experience an itchy rash (aka atopic dermatitis) or marks of irritation on their neck at some point. “The [rash] can appear as redness, itchiness and/or bumps that are small and raised or flaking,” explains James J. Chao, MD, FACS, co-founder and chief medical officer at VedaNu Wellness. He adds that some rashes also may present with a burning sensation. 

“Sometimes, neck skin will become shiny and tight-looking; other times, there might be patchy discoloration or flaking that extends two to four inches across the front or sides of the neck,” he continues. “The neck contains a lot of sweat glands, so irritation can flare up within hours if you’re out in the heat [what’s known as a heat rash]. Swelling, blistering or pain that seems to appear suddenly is also indicative of your body reacting more strongly to something.” 

That could be an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) to something like switching to a new laundry detergent, using a new perfume or even touching a certain type of plant that doesn’t agree with your body.

Other causes of rashes include sun damage, something rubbing against your neck, hair products and nickel found in inexpensive jewelry, says Dr. Chao. He adds that certain autoimmune diseases or thyroid problems can lead to neck rash as well, though those are less common. 

How to treat a neck rash

The best remedy for a neck rash, according to Dr. Chao, is gently washing the affected area with lukewarm water, applying fragrance-free moisturizer two times per day and using an over-the-counter one percent hydrocortisone cream for a few days

He also notes that “staying away from tight necklaces or tight collar shirts will help your skin heal faster.” 

If the rash doesn’t go away within 10 to 14 days, Dr. Chao recommends scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician. And “if the rash is accompanied by a fever, fatigue or enlarging red streaks, you should also see your doctor,” he continues. “In rare cases, rash on the neck can be a sign of shingles, bacterial infection or an internal disease process.” 

A look at President Trump’s previous health issues 

President Trump has been making headlines recently for skin issues. The first instance was in February 2025, when the president was spotted with a large bruise on his hand. At the time, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the mark was a result of the president’s aggressive hand shaking. 

Months later, doctors diagnosed him with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which veins (often in the legs) don’t work properly, causing blood to pool and leading to swelling and bruising. 

“The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. 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,” Dr. Barbabella wrote in a memo at the time. 

President Trump experienced more recent bruising too

Then, in January 2026, President Trump was seen with another hand bruise, which Levitt said he got after hitting “his hand on the corner of the signing table.” 

Trump confirmed that statement, telling CNN later, “I clipped it on the table. I put a little—what do they call it?—cream on it. But I clipped it.” 

He also shared that his aspirin intake might have played a role in the bruise. “I would say, take aspirin if you like your heart, but don’t take aspirin if you don’t want to have a little bruising,” the president told CNN. “I take the big aspirin, and when you take the big aspirin, they tell you, you bruise. The doctor said, ‘You don’t have to take that, sir, you’re very healthy.’ I said, ‘I’m not taking any chances.’”

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/president-trumps-neck-rash-explained-common-causes-and-remedies