As a nail tech, I have always put my feet, hands and nails in good condition! I have done tons of pedicures and seen all kinds of foot and nail disorders. Mostly because of neglect. Which is sad, because feet need TLC like everything else!

With Arizona's dry climate, i recommend buying a paraffin tub and lots of paraffin wax. Paraffin comes in all kinds of scents for aromatic purposes. Paraffin is AWESOME for putting in and holding in moisture that is essential for healthy skin. ESPECIALLY if you have dry skin. Dipping your hands and feet is very relaxing and I incorporate them into manicures and pedicures. i have also done paraffin masks for your face(dry skin types), but thats recommended to be done by a professional.

You can find paraffin tubs and wax at your local beauty supply store(do they have Sally's in PHX??) for around $30 and wax about $5 a block/pound. I recommend 4 blocks to fill a tub. Do not use a crock pot or microwave to heat and melt the paraffin wax, or it will burn and scortch the wax. By the paraffin tub, it is set at a very low setting to heat the wax just right.

It is a little investment, but it is soo worth it and very relaxing, and will put moisture back in your hands and feet!!

Paraffin tub @ Sally's www.sallybeauty.com/shop/4250/345940

Paraffin Wax @ Sally's www.sallybeauty.com/shop/4320/345890

My footcare is more mechanical that, um, cosmetical. I have to pay close attention to how much weight I put on the balls of my feet. For years I had to work on my feet and I developed a very painful condition called metatarsalgia. Basically its severe pain in the ball of the foot, worse with weight-bearing on the balls of the feet, especially in heels and bad shoes. I can no longer wear heels, except for sitting photos -- LOL. And no more Payless specials. I'm stuck with flats or platforms, preferably with rubber soles, and tennis shoes. Ugg type boots with sheepskin in the soles are great, too. The more cushion the better. A thing called a metatarsal pad or even arch supports are helpful. My arches are fine but the supports (the higher the better) relieve pressure off my forefoot. Every once in a while, I'll brave heels for a brief moment in time. Then I limp for the next couple of days afterwards.

mmm I know what you mean... I use a pumice stone at bath time and slather my feet in shea butter and put on the cotton socks every night. And now I dance in hermes style sandals which makes a big difference in how tough my feet get. Treat myself to a couple of good pedis a month and also liberally use a really nice mint lotion on the feet and legs during the day.

Four weeks had passed, big differences on my heels. That stuff works :).

REMEMBER THIS OLD THREAD???
Finally, I found what IM LOOKING for HELP for my cracked feet :).
I was at HAIR and MAKE -UP tribe last week and a girl POSTED heel balm to use. ITS very affordable only $10.00 BEING SOLD at WALGREEN.
Thx K.i OWE U.