**Phoenix Feet: Asphalt Cracking Summer Heels?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe cracked earth mirrors the soles of too many feet in Phoenix and Scottsdale come August. The relentless Arizona sun, coupled with the arid air, wages a daily war against skin hydration, leaving heels parched, split, and painful. But before you resign yourself to a summer of sandal-induced suffering, know this: you can fight back. This isn’t about masking the problem; it’s about a proactive, localized approach to heel care, leveraging the desert’s own resources and targeted treatments.
The key is understanding the enemy: Xerosis. This isn’t just dryness; it’s a skin condition where the outer layer lacks sufficient moisture. In Phoenix, the low humidity sucks moisture out of your skin, exacerbating the problem. Add to that the constant friction from walking on hot pavement in open-backed shoes, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
So, what’s the plan of attack? It starts with prevention, and prevention starts in your shower.
Forget harsh, heavily fragranced soaps. They strip away natural oils, making the problem worse. Instead, opt for a gentle, moisturizing cleanser. Look for ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or even better, locally sourced jojoba oil. Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, providing deep hydration without clogging pores. You can find locally produced jojoba oil at farmers’ markets in Scottsdale or specialty skincare stores like Desert Botanical Garden’s gift shop.
After showering, immediately apply a thick, emollient moisturizer. This is crucial. Don’t wait for your skin to dry completely; trapping that residual moisture is key. Look for creams containing urea or lactic acid. These are humectants, meaning they draw moisture from the air into your skin. They also act as mild exfoliants, helping to remove dead skin cells that contribute to cracking. A product like CeraVe Healing Ointment is a good starting point, but consider compounding pharmacies in Phoenix for custom formulations with higher concentrations of urea if your case is severe.
Now, let’s talk footwear. Those cute, strappy sandals might look great poolside at the Talking Stick Resort, but they’re your heels’ worst enemy. The open back allows for constant friction and exposure to the elements. Opt for closed-back shoes whenever possible, especially when walking long distances. If you must wear sandals, choose styles with a supportive footbed and a closed heel cup to minimize friction. Consider brands like Birkenstock or Chaco, known for their comfort and support.
But what if the damage is already done? What if your heels are already cracked and bleeding? Don’t panic. It’s time for some intensive care.
First, invest in a good foot file or pumice stone. After soaking your feet in warm (not hot!) water for 10-15 minutes, gently exfoliate the thickened skin on your heels. Be careful not to overdo it; you don’t want to remove too much skin and cause further irritation. A common mistake is being too aggressive with the file. Think gentle, circular motions, not aggressive scrubbing.
Next, apply a thick layer of a healing balm or ointment. Look for ingredients like petrolatum, lanolin, or beeswax. These create a protective barrier that helps to lock in moisture and promote healing. A product like Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a good choice.
Now, here’s the secret weapon: occlusion. After applying the balm, cover your feet with cotton socks. This helps to keep the moisture in and prevents the balm from rubbing off. Wear the socks overnight for maximum benefit. This is especially important in the dry Phoenix climate.
For severely cracked heels, consider a professional pedicure. But not just any pedicure. Look for a salon that specializes in medical pedicures or offers treatments specifically for dry, cracked feet. These treatments often involve the use of specialized tools and products to remove dead skin and promote healing. Some salons in Scottsdale even offer paraffin wax treatments, which can provide deep hydration and relief. Be sure to check reviews and ensure the salon follows strict hygiene protocols to prevent infection.
One often overlooked factor is hydration. You can slather on all the creams and balms you want, but if you’re not drinking enough water, your skin will suffer. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, especially during the hot summer months. Consider adding electrolytes to your water to help your body retain fluids.
Another potential pitfall is ignoring underlying medical conditions. Sometimes, cracked heels can be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as diabetes or thyroid disease. If your cracked heels are severe or persistent, despite your best efforts, see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Finally, be patient. Healing cracked heels takes time and consistency. Don’t expect to see results overnight. Stick to your skincare routine, wear appropriate footwear, and stay hydrated. With a little effort, you can keep your heels healthy and happy, even in the harsh Arizona desert. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so start taking care of your feet now, before the cracks appear. And don’t forget to support local businesses by sourcing your skincare products from Arizona-based companies whenever possible. Your feet (and your local economy) will thank you.