What are the visible signs of an infected finger?

Visible signs of an infected finger typically include redness, pain, swelling, broken skin, or pus. These symptoms occur as a response to an underlying infection, which usually stems from bacteria entering through a break in the skin. When an infection is present, the immune system responds by increasing blood flow to the area, resulting in noticeable redness and warmth. Swelling is caused by the accumulation of fluid in response to inflammation, while pain is a common symptom due to the activation of pain receptors as the body reacts to the infection. The presence of pus indicates that the body is fighting an infection, signifying an accumulation of dead bacteria, white blood cells, and tissue debris. This combination of signs provides clear evidence of an infection that requires attention and management.