A noticeable ‘large bruise’ has reappeared on Donald Trump’s hand, leading to renewed concerns regarding his health, despite the White House downplaying these worries.
During his campaign trail last year, attentive observers spotted what seemed like a significant yellow bruise on the president’s right hand at different times. This bruise appeared again in photographs during his meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office in February.
In March, additional darker marks were observed on the same hand’s palm, which White House officials dismissed as evidence of Trump’s busy work schedule.
Recently, the mysterious discoloration has returned, evidenced by a noticeable dark mark on the 78-year-old’s hand as he presented the Commander-in-Chief trophy to the Navy Midshipmen football team on Tuesday, April 15.
This prestigious award is given to the champion of the American college football series involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies.
Trump addressed the winning team while holding a football with his name and a championship ring, with the bruise visibly apparent.
The Daily Mail reported that skin-colored makeup seemed to have been used to cover the bruise.
There has been increasing speculation over the past months suggesting the president might have a health condition requiring an IV drip or blood tests.
However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the marks to the president’s active schedule, including frequent handshakes.
“President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other president in history,” she stated earlier this year. “His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day.”
Leavitt further emphasized: “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.”
While some people remain skeptical of this explanation, others believe the bruise is not a cause for concern, especially considering his age.
A doctor suggested the bruise might result from a ‘minor trauma,’ such as a blood test.
Dr. Ola Otulana, a GP and physician at Cassiobury Court rehabilitation center in Watford, England, told the news outlet that the bruise seems ‘consistent with a superficial contusion.’
“This could occur from something as everyday as bumping the hand against a hard surface, repeated pressure – for example from leaning on a cane or gripping something firmly – or even medical procedures such as venepuncture, or blood draw,” he explained.
The doctor noted that such bruising tends to appear ‘more prominent’ in older individuals due to thinner skin and ‘more fragile blood vessels.’
Additionally, aspirin, blood thinners, or anti-inflammatories may cause marks to ‘appear more easily and linger longer.’
Dr. Otulana reassured concerned individuals that there are no ‘immediate red flags’ from the bruise but advised that if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, ‘further assessment would be sensible.’