Inflammation is a normal body reaction that occurs as an immune response to fight infection and protect you from disease. It is characterised by redness of the skin, swelling and raised skin or body temperature. Under normal circumstances, these responses all help to heal your body by fending off contagion (infectious nasties!) and as such is quite normal. In fact, this response goes to show that your body is working well as it means your circulation, endocrine (hormonal) and immune systems are all doing their thing.