A callus on your pinky toe is how your body tries to protect your skin from rubbing against small bone spurs. While they might not be pleasant, calluses actually shield your foot from harm. They usually form due to shoes that don’t fit well, but how you walk or your foot’s bone structure can also play a role. Luckily, you can often handle them at home.
About 87% of adults in the U.S. experience some kind of foot problem, with calluses being the most common. Certain factors can make calluses more likely, such as bone spurs, hammertoes, bunions, and other foot issues, which might lead to constant rubbing in your shoes. A callus on your pinky toe isn’t usually a medical concern and doesn’t require emergency care. You should never use a razor or sharp tool to remove them.
Wearing shoes that fit well can reduce the irritation causing the callus, and over time, it will shrink naturally. High heels are notorious for causing these issues. Unlike corns, calluses typically aren’t painful. Maintaining healthy feet involves wearing properly fitting shoes, regularly soaking and scrubbing your feet, and keeping them moisturized. These actions can help eliminate a callus on your pinky toe.
If you’re seeking remedies, here are some top tips:
1. Castor Oil: Known for its natural skin-softening properties, castor oil can help get rid of calluses. Mix it with hot soapy water and gently rub your pinky toe callus with a pumice stone before soaking your foot in the mixture. Apply a moisturizer afterward and repeat this every other day for about two weeks.
2. Aloe Vera: This gel, packed with antioxidants, is not only good for sunburns but also softens tough skin like calluses. At night, apply aloe vera gel on the callus, cover it, and leave it on while you sleep. In the morning, gently remove the callus using a dry washcloth or pumice stone, then moisturize. Do this every other day for two weeks.
3. Flaxseed Oil: Rich in fatty acids, flaxseed oil is great for chronic skin conditions. Soak a cloth in warm flaxseed oil while you soak your foot in warm water. Once the skin softens, wrap the cloth around the callus, secure it with plastic wrap overnight, and moisturize in the morning. Repeat every other day for two weeks.
4. Vitamin E Oil: This nutrient and antioxidant can treat a variety of skin issues. It moisturizes and softens your callus and speeds up healing. Apply it after every shower, cover with a sock before bed, and repeat daily until the callus disappears.
5. Pumice Stone: This stone can help gently rub away dry, hard skin. Be cautious to avoid removing too much skin, which can cause bleeding or infection. Soak your foot in warm water, then use the wet pumice stone with light to medium pressure. Moisturize afterward, and repeat every two to three days for two weeks.
6. Exfoliating Creams: These creams contain ingredients like salicylic acid, urea, or ammonium lactate that help slough off dead skin. Use them on softened skin and moisturize immediately after. Follow the product instructions for the best results.
Lastly, keeping your pinky toe moisturized daily helps the callus fade away more effectively. Consistent moisture makes the skin softer and smoother. Soak your foot, apply a lotion with salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, or urea, and maintain this routine daily.
Usually, calluses fade once you reduce the friction or pressure causing them and improve the skin’s moisture levels. However, if a callus is very painful, if you have diabetes, or suspect a wart, it’s best to see a podiatrist or orthopedist.
