What is a common sign that a nail infection is present?

A common sign that a nail infection is present is discoloration or swelling around the nail. This visual cue often indicates an inflammatory response that can result from bacterial, fungal, or viral infections affecting the nail and surrounding tissues. When the area around the nail is swollen, it could suggest that the body is fighting off an infection or irritation, leading to such symptoms as redness and warmth in the affected area.

While pain in the nail bed area can also be a symptom of an infection, it is not as specific or visually demonstrative as discoloration or swelling, which are usually more apparent indicators. Thinning of the nail can occur due to various reasons including nutritional deficiencies or other health issues, but it is not a direct sign of a current infection. The presence of nail fungus is a type of infection, but it is a broader term and does not specifically encompass all types of nail infections that can present with discoloration and swelling. Therefore, observing discoloration or swelling is a straightforward and common sign that points to a potential nail infection.