What does inflammation typically result in regarding the skin's appearance?

Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. One of the hallmark signs of inflammation is the increase in blood flow to the affected area, which leads to redness. This occurs because blood vessels dilate in response to inflammatory mediators, allowing more blood to flow into the tissues. Additionally, inflammation often causes swelling due to the accumulation of fluid in the surrounding tissues, which is a result of increased permeability of the blood vessels.

Redness and swelling together are key indicators of inflammatory processes in the skin. While inflammation can also lead to other changes, such as warmth and pain, the visible signs are primarily characterized by the redness and swelling of the affected area. This understanding helps differentiate normal skin appearance from the characteristics associated with inflammation, making the identification of skin conditions more accurate.