Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
March 2 , 2026
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is receiving medical treatment for scabies, a contagious skin condition, the White House confirmed Monday, marking an unusual health development for the 79-year-old president.
In a statement delivered at the daily briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that initial evaluations by the White House medical team had attributed the president’s rash and irritation to stress-related symptoms. After further dermatological examination, however, doctors concluded that the president was suffering from scabies, an infestation caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin.
“After careful observation and additional testing, the medical unit determined that what was first thought to be a nervous rash is in fact scabies,” Leavitt told reporters. She said the president has been prescribed standard treatment for the condition and is expected to make a full recovery. Leavitt added that there was no evidence of more serious underlying conditions. According to Leavitt, Trump’s symptoms began with itchiness and a rash before he sought evaluation.
Scabies, which spreads most commonly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact, is usually treatable with topical medications or oral therapy. While uncomfortable, the condition is not typically considered dangerous in otherwise healthy adults.
The White House has not disclosed when the president first noticed symptoms or how the condition may have affected his public schedule. Officials emphasized that Trump has continued to fulfill his duties and will maintain his public and diplomatic commitments. Leavitt would not comment on whether any other individuals in the administration had been evaluated for the condition.
The announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the president’s health, which has been a topic of public speculation in recent months, including questions about minor swelling and bruising observed during previous appearances. In those instances, White House physicians characterized the issues as common in older adults.
Critics have challenged the administration’s transparency on health matters before, but Leavitt reiterated that the White House would provide accurate information “without exaggeration or minimization.” Supporters of the president echoed that sentiment, stressing that scabies is a manageable condition that should not interfere with Trump’s ability to fulfill his responsibilities.
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