flat fingernail

[kia cat]

My right index fingernail [the one next to my thumb] is flat compared to all the others. Now it's got a dent in it. Not hit it or anything else. The others are all still normal. Does this mean anything - apart from having one a different shape to the rest - that is? Thanks

[Sqad]

Doesn't mean a thing, other than it is flat compared to the rest of your fingernails.

[wildwood]

My left pinkie has a 'wave' in it along the whole length, always has had it, alway will.

Mrs.WW has unusually rounded nails.

Wouldn't life be boring if we were all the same?

[Clanad]

I wouldn't go so far as to say it doesn't mean anything. After all, the nail itself is only reflecting the condition of the nail bed. You may have damaged the nail and that may have damaged the bed, which will show up as a damaged nail... viscious cirlce, no?

Holistic healers will maintain that nail beds and the nails reflect other areas of health concern. Disagree or not, it isn't an old wives tail that taking (orally) common gelatin will improve the condition, flexibility and strength of your nails. The cheap packets of gelatin used in cooking can be mixed with some juice (it's flavorless in itself but has a yucky texture) and take once a day...

[carlton23]

About 3 months ago I caught my left thumb in the car door when I shut it (`Ouch`, or words to that effect) and it went black but is now nearly back to normal except there is now a raised lump where the nail got squashed, but I think it will grow out normal soon.

[boxtops]

my fingernails get ridged on occasion, I am told it may be a deficiency of something but I can't remember what - alternatively it could be injudicious use of false nails from time to time. I have always had weaky nails which split easily - they are on a good phase at the moment but it won't last long.

[LoftyLottie]

My nails ridge and have always been weak. They are not a nice shape either I just keep them very short. I loath false nails. They are so thin and flimsy and always have been. Mr LL and Mr LL junior have beautiful shaped filbert nails which are as hard as rocks and they never break even though they get used as screwdrivers, etc. Just ain't fair! :o(

[Sqad]

Clanad......the finger nails can indicate the possibility of many diseases BUT here is the situation of the poster:

One isolated nail, no history of trauma, no mention of pain or discolouration, probably is of long standing ( although she doesn't mention this) and on this basis I stand by my initial comment...."doesn't mean a thing"
Now if there was either pain, problems with more than one fingernail, then i would reassess my opinion in the light of a completely different clinical picture.