New York State Barber Practice Exam

The signs of bacterial infection on the scalp primarily include redness, swelling, and pus. These symptoms indicate an inflammatory response to the presence of bacteria, which may lead to localized irritation and infection. Redness occurs due to increased blood flow to the affected area as the body responds to the infection, while swelling represents the accumulation of fluid and immune cells trying to combat the infection. The presence of pus is a direct sign of bacterial infection, as it consists of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, often resulting from the body's effort to heal and eliminate the infectious agents.

The other options present symptoms that may resemble minor scalp issues or other dermatological conditions but do not specifically indicate a bacterial infection. Dryness and itching could relate to other scalp issues like dermatitis or moisture imbalance. Hair loss and greasiness do not necessarily tie back to bacterial infections specifically, as they can result from a variety of non-infectious scalp conditions. Similarly, flaking and mild redness could suggest conditions such as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis rather than an acute bacterial infection. Therefore, when assessing for a bacterial infection in the scalp, the presence of redness, swelling, and pus is a definitive indicator.