Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the age of 80, underwent a cauterization procedure to remove excess skin due to keratosis on his scalp. Following the procedure, which lasted just over one minute, he appeared publicly with a prominent black mark resulting from the burn, which occurred during an event at the Palácio do Planalto on Wednesday, September 11.

Lula's skin condition, keratosis, is often linked to excessive sun exposure and has necessitated medical intervention. The procedure was carried out in São Paulo, and Lula has been managing his public responsibilities while wearing a hat to cover the affected area. The communication about the medical procedure was disclosed by the presidency's communication office on the same day he was seen in public with the mark on his head.

This recent health issue comes as President Lula continues his recovery from cataract surgery, which he underwent earlier in the year. His medical history carries significant weight as he has had two previous hospitalizations during his current administration, including a surgery for arthrosis at the end of 2023, raising concerns about his health and ability to fulfill his political duties during this critical time in his presidency.