Trump comes clean after questions raised about his swollen ankles and bruised hand
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed speculation over the 79-year-old's mysterious hand bruise that was photographed earlier this week, caked in makeup. Around the same time, photos of Trump's legs as he watched the FIFA Club World Cup appeared swollen and enlarged, also sparking questions over his health.
During a press briefing, Leavitt said that Trump noticed 'mild swelling' in his lower legs and received a check-up from the White House medical unit. An examination that included diagnostic vascular studies, bilateral lower extremities and venous doppler ultrasounds revealed a diagnosis of 'chronic venous insufficiency AB.'
The condition occurs when leg veins become damaged and struggle to send blood back up to the heart, causing blood to pool in your legs and swelling. The fairly common condition usually affects people over the age of 50, but the risk grows as one ages, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
There was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease and a blood count test and echocardiogram both yielded normal results, Leavitt added.
The White House on Thursday acknowledged President Donald Trump's mysterious hand bruise and swollen legs. The White House said Trump was diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency AB.' (Getty/AP)
The press secretary then addressed the much-speculated bruise on the back of Trump's hand, telling reporters it was a result of 'frequent handshaking.'
'This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy, and the President remains in excellent health,' she said.
Zoomed-in shots of Trump's hand appeared to be flaking with a layer of makeup – a shade that did not match his skin, plastered over the top – took off online earlier this week.
On part of his hand, buried beneath the concealer, there appeared to be an incision or scar of some kind.
One part of Trump's hand appeared to have a raised scar. (AFP via Getty Images)
Images of the president at the FIFA Club World Cup showed his swollen legs. (Reuters)
It wasn't the first time the mark on Trump's hand was a cause of concern. In February, it appeared yellow and bruised, and also covered in makeup, during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Leavitt provided a similar response to The Independent on Wednesday over concerns about the bruise, saying, '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.
'His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.'
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