Nail fold infection (paronychia) while visiting Sweden
Medically reviewed by Dr Toha Soodhun, specialist in family medicine · 15 November 2026
A nail fold infection makes the skin next to a finger or toe nail red, swollen and tender, sometimes with pus. It often starts from a small cut, a bitten nail or an ingrown toenail. Mild infections can be treated at home. If pus has collected, the doctor may need to drain it, which is done in person — at one of our clinics or, depending on severity, at your hotel or home.
Treating a mild infection yourself
- Wash with soap and water.
- Soak the finger or toe in lukewarm water for a while, a few times a day.
- A compress moistened with aluminium acetate solution (alsolsprit, sold at pharmacies) can be placed over the nail and re-moistened often.
- For an ingrown toenail, wear roomy shoes and do not cut the nail too short or rounded.
What a video doctor can do
By video the doctor can judge how deep the infection looks, whether antibiotics are needed, and whether the pus needs to be drained. Draining is a small procedure done in person.
See a doctor in person if…
- There is pus and throbbing pain around the nail
- It is not getting better despite self-care
- You have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system — get seen promptly
Our clinics in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö can usually see you the same day (3,200 SEK, or +700 SEK after a video consultation). If you cannot come in, we can visit you at your hotel or home in central Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö — see prices.
Seek emergency care or call 112 if…
- Redness spreading up the finger, hand or foot, a red streak, or fever
Questions
Do I need antibiotics?
Not always. Many mild infections settle with soaking and care. The doctor decides whether antibiotics or draining is needed.
Can you come to my hotel?
In central Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö we can arrange a home or hotel visit. See our price page for the cost.
See a licensed Swedish doctor by video
2,500 SEK · No personnummer or BankID · Insurance documents included
Get Medical HelpLife-threatening? Call 112.