Doctors suggest Trump’s golf habit tied to concerning new rash

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks, as a patch of blemished skin is visible above his shirt collar, during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

Speculation ran rampant Monday about Donald Trump's new rash. According to doctors who spoke with HuffPost, the real answer could be tied to the president's most beloved hobby: golf.

On Monday, observers spotted what appeared to be a bright red rash on the back of Trump's neck, prompting renewed concerns about the state of his physical health. Speculation eventually led "shingles," a disease known for causing blistering rashes, to trend on X. Trump's White House doctor ultimately claimed that the rash was the result of the president using "a very common cream" for the purpose of "preventive skin treatment."

"The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks," Dr. Sean Barbella said in the statement about Trump's skin condition.

While attributing the rash to skin cream, Barbella notably did not go into the reasons why Trump might be taking preventative steps. Speaking with HuffPost for a report published Tuesday, dermatologists weighed in on what they suspected might be the most likely reason.

Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand, a double board-certified dermatologist, told the outlet that Trump could be using a cream to tackle a medical phenomenon known as "pre-cancers." Despite the name, these cells are not quite as serious as they sound, though the pose risks severe enough to warrant treatment.

“Based on the description and the information provided by the White House, the most likely explanation is that the president is undergoing treatment for actinic [sun-induced] skin damage, often referred to as actinic keratoses, commonly described as ‘pre-cancers,’” Houshmand explained. "While they are not skin cancer, they are considered precancerous because a small percentage can progress to squamous cell carcinoma over time."

Houshmand said that these sorts of pre-cancers are common in individuals who spend a lot of time outside in the sunlight. Because of this, HuffPost's report noted that it is well within the realm of possibility that Trump's extensive time spent playing golf could be the culprit causing these damaged cells.

Dr. Anthony Rossi, an attending dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, agreed with Houshmand's pre-cancer suggestion, and further suggested that Trump might be "using one of two commonly prescribed topical chemotherapy medications": 5 Flurouracil or topical immunomodulator imiquimod. Rossi explained that these creams fit the bill for Trump's situation, as they are typically used for 2-4 weeks and can result in a "red scaling reaction" consistent with the president's neck.

Rossi also explained that individuals fitting Trump's physical description and habits are at a higher risk for developing pre-cancers.

"Those with fair skin, light hair, light eyes and chronic UV exposure or tanning are most at risk for these actinic keratoses, pre-cancers," Rossi told HuffPost.

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