A callus on pinky toe is your body’s defense mechanism to protect against rubbing over little bone spurs. Although they aren’t necessarily welcome, calluses protect the foot from damage. Usually caused poorly fitting shoes, but how you walk (your gait) or the bone structure of your feet may make you more prone to a callus on pinky toe. In most cases, you can take steps at home to care to get rid of a callus.
An estimated 87 percent of adults in the U.S. have some type of foot problem but the most common problem is calluses. There are certain factors that may increase your risk of calluses. A bone spur, hammertoe, bunion, and other foot deformities can cause constant rubbing inside your shoe. A callus on pinky toe doesn’t indicate a medical problem and they aren’t a reason to seek emergency care. Don’t ever use a razor or sharp utensil to try to cut them off your skin.
Better-fitting shoes will reduce the irritation that caused the callus on pinky toe, and over time, the callus will shrink on it’s own. High-heeled shoes are the worst offenders. Unlike corns, calluses do not usually cause any pain. Keeping your feet healthy by wearing the proper fitting shoes, soaking and scrubbing your feet on a regular basis, and regularly moisturizing your feet can help with get rid of a callus on pinky toe.
If you’re looking for a way to save your pinky toe, check our top remedies below!
7 Ways to Get Rid of a Callus on Pinky Toe
1. Castor Oil
Castor oil has properties that make it a natural skin lubricant. Castor oil can be used to soften skin and encourage new skin growth. This can be helpful when you’re trying to condition your skin to rub a callus off. To get rid of a callus on pinky toe, you can try using castor oil. Mix castor oil with some hot soapy water. Gently rub the callus with a pumice stone followed by a hot water soak with castor oil. Be sure to add a layer of moisturizer afterwards. Repeat this process every other day for two weeks until skin is soft and callus is gone.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is a well known medicinal gel that is packed with antioxidants. Many are aware of the healing properties of aloe vera for sunburn and other types of skin irritation but it also has salicylic acid and amino acids that softens hardened skin like a callus. To get rid of a callus on pinky toe before going to bed, split an aloe leaf in half and tape the gel side down on the callus. Sleep with this on and in the morning rub off the callus with a dry washcloth or pumice stone. Be sure to add a layer of moisturizer afterwards. Repeat this process every other day for two weeks until skin is soft and callus is gone.
3. Flax Seed Oil
Flaxseed oil is extremely beneficial for chronic skin conditions the fatty acids act to balance out the skin’s own oils and help the skin to repair. The oil has emollient (softening) properties, that can be helpful for a callus on pinky toe. Soak a small cloth in warm flaxseed oil. What that is happening, soak your foot in warm water. Once the skin has softened, apply the cloth to the callus then wrap the pinky toe in plastic wrap overnight. Be sure to add a layer of moisturizer in the morning. Repeat this process every other day for two weeks until skin is soft and callus is gone.
4. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E is both a nutrient and antioxidant and is used to treat a wide range of skin issues, like dry skin. Vitamin E oil not only moisturizes and softens the hard and rough layer of skin that form on the callus, but the the antioxidants aids in healing the callus. After every shower/bath this oil on your pinky toe. Apply it on the callus and then cover it with a clean sock before going off to sleep. Repeat it every day until the callus is gone.
5. Pumice Stone
A pumice stone is a small block of lightweight, hardened lava foam that can be used to rub away dry hardened skin and dead skin cells. A pumice stone can soften a callus on pinky toe. It’s important to be careful when using a pumice stone. If you take off too much skin or go too deep, it can result in bleeding and even worse, an infection. Soak your foot in warm, soapy water until the skin softens. Wet the pumice stone and rub on the wet callus light to medium pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. Be sure to add a layer of moisturizer afterwards. Repeat this process every two to three days for two weeks until skin is soft and callus is gone.
6. Exfoliate Creams
This process is similar to the pumice stone. Exfoliating creams work to rub off dry, hardened, and dead skin. They usually contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, urea, or ammonium lactate that help speed up the process of removing the callus. Exfoliant creams can come in different forms, peels, scrubs, lotions the key to making this method work is to work of the skin when it has been softened in warm water and immediately moisturizing afterward. Follow the instructions on the creams to determine length of treatment.
7. Moisturize
We saved the best remedy for last. As long as you have taken the steps to ensure your pinky toe no longer rubs against anything like ill fitting shoes moisturizing the callus on pinky toe daily is sure to help get rid of it. Daily moisture can make the skin feel softer and smoother as well as more attractive to the eye. Soak the callus in warm water and apply moisturizing lotion or cream to the area DAILY. Look for a moisturizing lotion with salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea. These ingredients will help gradually soften callus on pinky toe.
To Prevent Getting a Callus on Pinky Toe
- Wear shoes that properly fit
- Wear padding to protect current calluses from further irritation
- Trim toenails, toenails that are too long can force the toes to push up against your shoe and rub causing irritation
- Apply moisturizing lotion or cream to the callus daily and after every shower
Most calluses gradually go away when the friction or pressure causing them stops and the moisture level of the skin increases. If the callus is extremely painful, if you have diabetes, or if you think you have warts, see a podiatrist or orthopedist.