What are the signs of a nail infection?

The signs of a nail infection primarily include redness, swelling, and pus formation. These symptoms indicate that the body is responding to an infection, often caused by bacteria or fungi. Redness around the nail area suggests inflammation as the immune system works to combat the infection. Swelling occurs as blood flow increases to the affected area, and pus formation is a result of the accumulation of white blood cells and dead tissue, which signifies that the body is actively fighting off an infection.

Other options, while they may represent different conditions, do not specifically indicate a nail infection. Itching and dry skin could suggest a skin-related issue or an allergic reaction but are not definitive signs of infection. Yellowing of nails can indicate various conditions such as fungal infections or other health issues but does not necessarily mean an active infection is present. Coldness of fingers may imply poor circulation but is unrelated to the signs of an infection. Thus, the symptoms of redness, swelling, and pus formation are the most relevant for identifying a nail infection.