If you’re eager to learn how to get rid of corns on your pinky toe, you probably know just how painful these little bumps can be. Corns are thickened skin layers that form when your skin tries to shield itself from too much friction or pressure. They often develop over time, especially on the pinky toe, making it quite uncomfortable and causing some to feel self-conscious about their feet. Fortunately, most corns fade away naturally once the friction or pressure stops.
There are four types of corns: hard, soft, seed, and neurovascular. Hard corns are the most common—they’re usually hard, round, and can be pretty painful. When exposed to moisture, they feel soft. Wearing tight-fitting shoes, poor-quality materials, or high heels often leads to corns. Reducing the pressure or friction that causes them is a great way to help them disappear. If you have diabetes or circulation issues, it’s best to consult your doctor for advice.
To tackle corns on your pinky toe, it’s important to stop the repetitive actions that cause them. Even though they’re bothersome, corns rarely pose a severe health risk unless they get infected.
Here’s what you can do: Soak your feet in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. After your skin softens, use a pumice stone to gently file the corn. Wet the stone before using it and rub in sideways or circular motions to remove dead skin, being careful not to remove too much to avoid infections.
Applying castor oil three times a day can soften and eventually remove the corn. Garlic is another option; cut a clove in half, place it on the corn, and cover with a breathable bandage overnight. In the morning, remove the garlic and wash your toe. Repeat nightly to see results in a few days.
Papaya contains an enzyme called papain that helps shed skin. Apply a small piece of papaya to the corn overnight. Pineapple has bromelain, which dissolves corns while easing pain. Place a piece of pineapple on the corn overnight, and you should notice improvement in a week or so.
Salicylic acid can also help by breaking down accumulated skin cells on corns. Nonprescription salicylic acid is available in various forms, but be careful to follow instructions to protect surrounding healthy skin.
If these at-home treatments aren’t working, consult a professional for advice. Never try to cut a corn yourself, as this can lead to injury or infection. Seek medical advice if the corns become too thick, look ugly, or cause serious pain, especially if you have diabetes or other health concerns. Corns are a lot like calluses, so if you’re dealing with them too, you might want to learn more about dealing with calluses effectively.
