What is a common symptom of a scalp infection?

A common symptom of a scalp infection is redness and inflammation. When an infection occurs, the body's immune response often leads to increased blood flow to the affected area, resulting in redness. Inflammation can also manifest as swelling and tenderness as the body mobilizes white blood cells to combat the infection. This response is crucial as it signals that the body is trying to heal and fight off any pathogens present.

While other symptoms like itching and scaling, dryness and flaking, and swelling and tenderness can occur in various scalp conditions, the combination of redness and inflammation is particularly indicative of an infectious process. Recognizing this symptom can help in diagnosing the type of scalp condition and determining the appropriate treatment.