Redness, heat, pain, and swelling are an indication of?

Redness, heat, pain, and swelling are classical signs of inflammation, which is the body's response to injury or infection. When tissues are damaged or invaded by pathogens such as bacteria, the immune system responds by increasing blood flow and sending white blood cells to the site of injury or infection. This results in the observed symptoms. In the context of nail technology and related fields, recognizing these signs is crucial for assessing the health of the skin and nails as they can indicate an ongoing infection that may require medical attention or intervention.

The other options do not align with the specific combination of symptoms presented. Exposure and contamination refer to contact with harmful substances or pathogens, which may not necessarily lead to inflammation. Contagion pertains to the transmission of disease from one individual to another, which is a different concept from the immediate physiological response characterized by redness, heat, pain, and swelling.