Minnesota Cosmetology State Practice Exam

The presence of redness, swelling, and pus are significant indicators of a bacterial infection on the scalp. These signs occur as a result of the body's immune response to the infection. When bacteria invade the scalp, the body sends white blood cells to fight the infection, which can lead to inflammation characterized by redness and swelling. Pus forms as a collection of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, further highlighting the presence of an infection. The other options suggest symptoms that may be related to different conditions. For instance, itching and flaking could be associated with conditions like eczema or psoriasis, while dandruff and dryness often indicate seborrheic dermatitis rather than an infection. Hair loss and discoloration might result from various scalp issues but are not specific markers of a bacterial infection. In the context of identifying bacterial infections specifically, the combination of redness, swelling, and pus is the most telling.