What symptoms indicate that a finger might be infected?

The symptoms that signal a potential infection in a finger include redness, swelling, and pus. Redness around the area is often an indication of inflammation, which occurs as the body's immune response to an infection. Swelling can develop as fluid accumulates due to increased blood flow to the area, again a response to infection. The presence of pus, which is a thick fluid that consists of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, is a strong indicator that an infection is present.

In contrast, itching and dryness may suggest an allergic reaction or eczema rather than an infection. Coldness and numbness can indicate poor circulation or nerve issues but are not typically associated with infection. Lastly, bleeding and scabbing can result from a cut or abrasion and may not directly indicate an infection unless infection develops in the broken skin. Thus, the combination of redness, swelling, and pus is a clear sign of infection in the finger.