Michigan Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common symptom of a skin infection?

1. Redness and swelling

2. Dryness and irritation

3. Flaking and peeling

4. Darkening of the skin

The correct answer is: Redness and swelling

The presence of redness and swelling is a hallmark symptom of a skin infection. When the skin is infected, the body's immune response kicks in to fight off pathogens, resulting in increased blood flow to the affected area, which manifests as redness. Along with this, swelling occurs due to the accumulation of fluid as the body responds to the infection. These symptoms indicate inflammation, which is a common and necessary response as the body works to heal itself and prevent the spread of infection. In contrast, dryness and irritation are more often associated with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, rather than infections. Flaking and peeling might be indicative of conditions like dermatitis or fungal infections but are not the primary symptoms of an infection itself. Darkening of the skin can occur due to various reasons, including sun damage or hyperpigmentation, but it is not directly related to the presence of a skin infection. Hence, the response about redness and swelling accurately identifies the typical signs of a skin infection.