Nail infection (paronychia)
treatment, in Muirend.
A free fifteen-minute appointment with our prescribing pharmacist for infection around the nail. Assessment, advice, and treatment where clinically appropriate.
Funding
Free
Appointment
15 minutes
Suitable for
Age 12+
Who this is for
This service is for anyone aged 12 and over with an infection around a fingernail or toenail — redness, swelling, throbbing pain, sometimes with pus visible at the nail edge. Eligibility is confirmed at assessment.
Common symptoms
- ·Redness and swelling around the edge of one nail
- ·Throbbing pain or tenderness at the nail fold
- ·Pus visible at the edge of the nail
- ·The skin around the nail may feel warm to the touch
- ·Symptoms on one finger or one toe
This service is suitable if you are
- ·Aged 12 or over
- ·Symptoms localised to one nail
- ·Within the first 7 days of symptoms
- ·Experiencing mild to moderate pain
This service is not suitable if you
- ·Are under 12 — speak to your GP
- ·Have more than one nail affected
- ·Have a fever or are feeling generally unwell
- ·Have severe pain, a large collection of pus, or redness spreading up the finger or toe
- ·Have diabetes — please go to your GP
If you don't meet the eligibility criteria, we'll help you identify the right care quickly.
What happens at your appointment
01
Book
Book online or call us. A short health check questionnaire will be sent to you to complete before your visit.
02
Arrive
Come to 521–523 Clarkston Road at your appointment time. A private consultation room is available.
03
Assessment
Our prescribing pharmacist examines the affected nail, reviews your symptoms and health history, and assesses severity.
04
Next steps
Treatment is provided where clinically appropriate. If further care is needed, we refer you to your GP promptly.
When not to use this service
Contact NHS 24 on 111, your GP, or go to A&E if you have any of the following:
- ·Fever or shivering
- ·Redness spreading up the finger or toe beyond the nail area
- ·Severe throbbing pain
- ·Diabetes with any foot or toe infection
- ·Symptoms not improving within 48 hours
Common questions
Do I need a GP referral? +
No. You can book directly with us — no GP referral or letter is required. If you meet the eligibility criteria, our prescribing pharmacist can assess you at a 15-minute appointment.
What should I bring to the appointment? +
It helps to bring a list of any medicines you currently take and any known allergies. Please come with the affected finger or toe accessible and easy to examine.
Will I be prescribed antibiotics? +
Our pharmacist will assess what is clinically appropriate at the appointment — this is not something that can be decided in advance. Treatment may include advice on warm-water soaks and self-care, or oral treatment where that is the right clinical answer. We will not prescribe automatically — assessment comes first.
What happens if I have diabetes? +
Diabetes increases the risk of complications from any skin or nail infection. If you have diabetes and a nail infection, please go to your GP rather than using this service. Your GP can assess the infection with that additional context and arrange the right care.
How long does it take to heal? +
Mild paronychia often begins to settle within a few days of appropriate treatment and typically resolves within one to two weeks. Our pharmacist will give you a realistic timeline at the appointment and advise you on what to watch for if things are not improving.
Other Pharmacy First Plus conditions
Clinically reviewed by
James McKeever
Superintendent Pharmacist · GPhC reg. 1042294
Last reviewed: 17 June 2026