What is a common symptom of a scalp infection?

A common symptom of a scalp infection is flaking and redness. This occurs as the body's immune response reacts to the infection, leading to inflammation of the scalp tissue. The irritation can result in the skin peeling or flaking as it attempts to shed the affected area. Redness is typically an indication of inflammation, which is often seen with infections, as blood flow increases to the area in response to the pathogens present.

While other symptoms like stickiness might be associated with different scalp conditions, they do not directly correlate with the classic signs of infection. Excessive shining can be misconstrued as healthy hair but does not reflect an infection. Increased hair growth is not a symptom of scalp infections and may confuse the understanding of how infections can impact hair follicles and overall scalp health. Flaking and redness, however, are direct visual indicators that are easily identifiable in the context of a scalp infection.