Does anyone know about fingernail health?

Sounds like an infection in your nail bed that needs medical attention.

Sounds like a fungus to me, PD. Go see your doctor & get some antibiotics for it.

ouch, that sounds…. anyways definetly go see your doctor. Hope you get better! :)

Did it fall off spontaneously or after some nail trauma? (i.e. slamming the end of your digit in a door/drawer)

Did you injure the nail at all? That could be a possibility. Although white, puffy and soft sounds like fungus. Better go see the doctor before it spreads to other nails, which is possible.

<addition> I ask because ever since I (NSF SQUEAMISH) forcibly removed my smallest toenail
It has grown back white, soft, and partially detached. That’s attributed to the serious trauma sustained by the base cells.

No trauma, and fungal nails are distinguished by being hard, not soft.

@pdworkin That is why I said “infection” as that is my first thought when I hear “bad” fingernail.

Definitely an infection. See MD ASAP!

While this little piece of information may not be really what you are asking about your particular problem nail, I can tell you something interesting about nail health in general. I began taking lots (1600) of Vitamin D3, which I guess I was low in (like everyone else) and it makes my nails very healthy and strong in a few days. If I forget to take it, my nails tend to break very easily. It’s amazing.

@skfinkel I was just told that I should take 3000 of D per day to fight my sinus infection. It’s a boost to the immune system, too

@SpatzieLover : Interesting! The new miracle cure.

@skfinkel—I guess some recent research has proven further that people just aren’t getting the amount of needed D3 due to lack of getting out in the sunshine. Here in Wis, medical professionals are recommending 2000 units for all allergy sufferers all year, and 3000 units from October through March.