by Amy Shannon Woodford

Created on: February 14, 2009

Cracked toes are a painful side effect of changes in temperature and exposure to air or moisture. They happen most often when the change in season takes us from socks and boots to sandals and bare feet, or vice versa. The best treatment for painful cracking on the underside of the toes is a warm soak in a salt bath, but the proper precautions can help prevent the problem in the first place.

Moisturizing and avoiding callouses or blisters are crucial to preventing cracked toes. Feet closed in shoes with too much moisture can suffer both blisters and dry skin when shoes are removed. Keeping your feet dry when closed in heavy winter shoes is an important first step. Closed shoes without socks are the worst possible choice.

In both summer and winter, moisturizing properly is the easiest preventative. Most store-bought moisturizers are petroleum-based and do not truly moisturize; they only trap whatever moisture the skin already holds. Read the ingredients before buying creams and lotions to avoid products with petrolatum and mineral oil. Health and natural food stores are a good source of vegetable-based moisturizing creams.

Shea butter is a particularly effective emollient for preventing cracked skin. Commercially prepared products containing shea butter are widely available, or the more ambitious can make their own shea butter cream.

Soothing Shea Butter Foot Balm

Ingredients:

1 c shea butter

2 t beeswax

1 T emulsifying wax

1/4 c water

1/2 t xanthan gum

1 T aloe juice

1/2 c sesame oil

60 drops myrrh essential oil

40 drops rosewood essential oil

Sterilize 3 4-ounce cream jars in dishwasher, or hand-wash and spritz with rubbing alcohol. Melt 1 cup of shea butter in large (2-cup or more) glass measuring cup by heating in microwave for 30-second increments. Grate or shave beeswax and add to shea butter along with emulsifying wax. Melt in microwave until liquid, again in 30-second increments.

In microwave, heat 1/2 cup of water in small (1-cup) glass measuring cup for 30 seconds. Add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum, found at most health food stores, and blend thoroughly with hand (stick) blender, making sure to eliminate any lumps. If any remain, press with a spoon against the side of the measuring cup to dissolve.

Add xanthan gum mixture, 1 tablespoon of aloe juice or gel, and 1/2 cup of sesame oil to shea butter and wax mixture. Blend thoroughly with stick blender. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Add 60 drops of myrrh essential oil and 40 drops of rosewood essential oil to the mixture and blend briefly. Dispense into sterilized cream jars, scraping the measuring cup with a plastic jar spatula, and refrigerate to cool.

Myrrh has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, in addition to treating dry, cracked skin. Rosewood's healing, anti-inflammatory characteristics make it ideal for sensitive skin. The subtle woodsy aroma of this balm renders it suitable for use by men and women. Other essential oils can be substituted for different results, however. Peppermint oil is a particularly cooling addition in the summertime.

Essential oils should be used with care, and are not for use on pregnant women or children under two. Concentrations should be decreased for children under four and the elderly. Because this cream does not contain preservatives, it will degrade over time and should be refrigerated if not used within a month.

Apply to feet morning and night to soften and smooth the skin, paying special attention to between and under the toes. The balm will feel a little greasy to the touch but will absorb quickly. Put on socks if desired, which will enhance the softening power of the ointment. Not only will this heavy cream prevent cracked toes, it will leave your feet feeling soft and silky all over.

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