California Cosmetology Practice Exam

The common symptoms of a scalp infection typically include redness, itching, and flaking of the scalp. These symptoms indicate inflammation and irritation of the scalp, which are direct responses to the presence of pathogens such as bacteria or fungi.

Redness often occurs due to increased blood flow to the affected area as the body's immune system responds to the infection. Itching is a common symptom as well, often resulting from the irritation of nerve endings in the skin caused by the infection. Flaking of the scalp can occur as a result of the skin trying to shed the infected cells, leading to visible scales or flakes that can be associated with various scalp conditions, including infections.

In contrast, options related to hair loss and dryness, oily scalp and dandruff, or thinning hair and irritation may involve symptoms that are not exclusively indicative of an infection. These symptoms can also be associated with other scalp conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, hormonal imbalances, or other non-infectious dermatological issues. Thus, symptoms centered on redness, itching, and flaking are more specific and characteristically linked to scalp infections.