What is a common symptom of a nail infection?

A common symptom of a nail infection is swelling and redness around the nail. This inflammation is a response to the infection, which can result from bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens entering the nail bed or surrounding tissue. The body's immune system reacts to the foreign invaders, leading to an accumulation of fluid and increased blood flow in the area, manifesting as swelling and redness.

In contrast, other symptoms or characteristics, such as longer nail growth, increased shine of the nail, or a change in nail color to bright white, do not typically indicate an infection. Longer nail growth is often a sign of healthy nail growth rather than an infection. Increased shine could occur for various reasons, including proper nail care or polish application, but it does not signify an infection. A change in nail color to bright white might be associated with different conditions or issues but is not a common indicator of a nail infection.