Pronunciation: [ɹˈaʃ] (IPA) 
The word "rash" can be a bit tricky in terms of spelling. Its pronunciation is /ræʃ/, with the "a" sound being pronounced as the short "a" as in "cat," and the "sh" sound sounding like the "sh" in "shoe." Despite the "a" sound being pronounced as a short vowel, it is spelled with the letter "a" instead of "e." Additionally, there are other words like "cash" and "flash" that follow the same spelling pattern as "rash."
The term "rash" can be defined as a temporary eruption or outbreak of red, raised bumps, patches, or blisters that appear on the skin, often accompanied by itching, discomfort, or pain. It is typically a visible indication of an underlying skin condition or an immune system response to an irritant, infection, or allergic reaction.
Rashes can have various causes, including allergies to certain foods, medications, chemicals, or environmental factors, such as pollen or exposure to sun. They can also result from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, such as measles, chickenpox, Lyme disease, or ringworm. In some cases, rashes may be a symptom of an autoimmune disorder or a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as lupus or psoriasis.
Rashes can vary in appearance, ranging from small, localized bumps or patches to widespread eruptions that cover large areas of the body. They can be flat or raised, dry or moist, and may exhibit different colors, including red, pink, brown, or purplish tones.
Treatment for a rash often depends on its cause. Mild cases can typically be managed with over-the-counter creams, ointments, or antihistamines to reduce itching and inflammation. However, if the rash persists, becomes more severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek medical attention as it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
An eruption on the skin, more or less extensive and usually temporary in character.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Acting hastily and incautiously; uttered in haste and with too little reflection; indiscreet; headstrong.
• A rushing or sudden breaking out of an eruption on the skin; corn in the straw so dry as to easily fall out in the handling.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "rash" has its origins in Middle English. It comes from the Old English noun "ræsc" or "raesc", which means "a rush, a sudden noise or outcry". This Old English noun itself derives from the verb "hrascan", meaning "to make a sudden loud noise". Over time, the meaning of "rash" evolved to refer to a sudden eruption or outbreak on the skin, as seen in its current use to describe red, irritated, and inflamed patches of skin.
