What accounts for the redness associated with a wound?

The redness associated with a wound is primarily due to inflammation, a natural response of the body to injury or tissue damage. When tissue is injured, various chemical mediators and signalling molecules are released, leading to increased blood flow to the affected area. This increased blood flow causes dilation of blood vessels, allowing more oxygen and immune cells to reach the wound site to facilitate the healing process. The increased blood flow gives the surrounding skin and tissues a reddish appearance, which is the primary reason behind the redness associated with wounds.