Which of the following is a common symptom of a bacterial infection associated with body art?

Redness and swelling are common symptoms of a bacterial infection associated with body art. When bacteria invade the skin, particularly after a procedure like tattooing or piercing, the body's inflammatory response often manifests as redness and swelling around the affected area. This localized response occurs as blood flow increases to deliver immune cells to combat the infection. Additionally, the presence of bacteria triggers the release of various chemicals that promote inflammation, leading to these visible symptoms.

In contrast, fever is a more systemic response that can occur with a severe infection but is not limited to skin infections. An allergic reaction typically presents with itching, rash, or hives rather than just redness and swelling. Dry skin does not specifically indicate a bacterial infection and can be caused by numerous factors unrelated to infections.