Overview
- Press photos from a March 2 Medal of Honor ceremony showed a scabbed, flaking patch behind President Trump’s right ear, with clear images credited to AFP/Getty’s Saul Loeb.
- White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella said Trump is using a very common preventive topical cream for one week and that the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.
- The White House and Barbabella did not specify the cream or the underlying skin condition despite requests for details.
- Social media users speculated about potential causes, and physicians including CNN’s Dr. Jonathan Reiner urged more specificity, noting some preventive creams treat precancerous lesions.
- The scrutiny comes after prior visible bruising on Trump’s hands and a disclosed diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, with officials asserting he remains in excellent health.