Which symptom indicates a nail infection?

• A. Smooth nail texture
• B. Redness, pain, or swelling
• C. White spots on the nail
• D. Tightening of the cuticle

Answer: (B)

Redness, pain, or swelling are key symptoms that indicate a nail infection. These signs suggest that inflammation is occurring, which is often a result of the body's response to an infection. When nails become infected, the surrounding tissues can become irritated, leading to redness and swelling. Pain may also occur as the body reacts to the infection and attempts to heal.

In contrast, a smooth nail texture is typically indicative of healthy nails rather than an infection. White spots on the nail can sometimes signify trauma or other non-infectious conditions and do not specifically point to an infection. Tightening of the cuticle may indicate dryness or irritation but does not necessarily signal an infection either. Thus, the presence of redness, pain, or swelling is the most reliable indicator of a nail infection.