Which of the following is a common sign of nail infection?

A common sign of nail infection is pain and redness around the nail. This symptom is indicative of inflammation that often accompanies an infection, where the body responds to harmful bacteria or fungi present in the nail bed or surrounding skin. The presence of pain often suggests that there is irritation or damage to the tissues due to the infection, while redness indicates increased blood flow to the area as part of the immune response.

In contrast, bright nail color, excessive shine, and abnormal growth speed can be influenced by various factors unrelated to infection. Bright nail color may simply reflect good health or the use of nail products; excessive shine can result from applying polish or treatments; and faster growth might be due to a person's overall health, diet, or genetics rather than an infection. Thus, identifying pain and redness as signs of infection is crucial for effective assessment and treatment.