What are common signs of nail infections?

The presence of redness, swelling, and discharge is indicative of a nail infection. These signs result from the body's inflammatory response to infection, often caused by bacteria or fungi. When an infection occurs, the affected area becomes inflamed, leading to increased blood flow, which causes redness. Swelling occurs as the body sends immune cells to fight the infection, and discharge may be present as pus or other fluids, which are common in infected tissues.

Other options describe changes in nail structure or appearance that may not necessarily indicate an infection. For example, rough texture and discoloration could stem from various factors such as trauma or chemical exposure rather than an infection. Brittleness and chipping often relate to nutritional deficiencies or damage rather than an infectious process. Similarly, thin nails and ridges can result from several non-infectious causes like aging or environmental factors. The specific combination of redness, swelling, and discharge, however, strongly correlates with an active infection requiring medical attention.