What can be a sign of a skin infection?

Itching and redness are commonly observed symptoms that can indicate a skin infection. These signs often point to inflammation, which is the body's response to infection. When the skin is infected, pathogens like bacteria, fungi, or viruses can cause the immune system to react, resulting in increased blood flow to the area. This process leads to redness and often comes with sensations of itching or discomfort.

In contrast, dryness and flakiness typically suggest issues related to skin hydration or conditions such as eczema but do not necessarily indicate an active infection. Excess tan indicates an overexposure to UV light, and normal coloration suggests healthy skin, neither of which is indicative of an infection. Thus, the presence of itching and redness is a strong signal that infection may be present and keys into the immediate need for assessment and treatment.