What is a rash caused by?

A rash can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Allergies: Reaction to certain foods, medications, or environmental triggers.
2. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to skin rashes.
3. Contact Dermatitis: Skin irritation due to contact with irritants or allergens like soaps, detergents, or certain plants.
4. Heat or Sweat: Excessive sweating or prolonged exposure to heat can cause heat rash or prickly heat.
5. Insect Bites: Allergic reactions or irritation caused by insect bites or stings.
6. Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or psoriasis can cause chronic skin rashes.
7. Medications: Certain medications can cause adverse reactions leading to rashes.
8. Stress: Emotional stress can sometimes exacerbate or trigger skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
9. Exposure to Sun: Sunburn or sensitivity to sunlight can cause rashes, particularly in individuals with photosensitive skin conditions.
10. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like measles, chickenpox, or shingles can cause characteristic rash symptoms.

Identifying the cause of a rash often requires medical evaluation, especially if it's persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms.