Dr. Derek Smith of Stillwater, Oklahoma, agrees. While Oklahoma residents are accustomed to triple-digit temperatures in summer, Dr. Smith says, "Heat can make certain foot problems worse. Unlike armpits, feet are usually wrapped up in containers (shoes), so perspiration is a bigger problem. Skin reabsorbs moisture, making skin soggy and unhealthy. In that environment, there's little protection from microbes and the tendency to develop blisters is much greater. Also, heat increases friction, causing problems such as eczema, psoriasis and callus to become much worse."

Along with other podiatrists, Drs. Bitcover and Smith recommend taking certain steps to prevent heat-related foot problems. They recommend:

• · Wearing sandals or "open" style shoes that allow feet to breathe
• · Using a foot powder, such as Zeasorb, to help keep feet dry
• · If wearing socks, using socks that wick away moisture
• · Washing feet at least once a day, being sure to dry well between toes
• · Rotating socks and shoes more often - up to several times a day
• · While staying hydrated, being careful not to overdo fluids which can cause extremities to swell.

C. J. Buck, MIA, CEO of Xenna Corporation, a distributor of natural foot care products, says, "While these are recommendations that everyone should follow, many people have a problem with wearing "breathable" shoes such as sandals or open-toed styles because they're embarrassed by the way their feet look. Regardless of how hot it gets, many individuals simply refuse to expose their bare feet because of unattractive yellow, discolored nails or rough, flaking heels."

Products such as Xenna's natural, diabetic-friendly NonyX® Nail Gel and CalleX® Ointment solve the problems of dry, cracked feet and unsightly toenails with regular use.

Xenna's NonyX Nail Gel is a patented, easy-to-use gel that breaks down and removes keratin debris -- the discolored, yellow or thick granular buildup under nails that causes them to become discolored and unattractive. NonyX Gel softens keratin debris using natural ethanoic acid, which permits it to be gradually scraped out with a manicure tool, beginning after about four weeks. Once the white or yellow keratin debris is removed, regular use of NonyX keeps nails free of keratin debris buildup, leaving them clear and healthy-looking.

Buck says, "Another major issue with regard to foot appearance is dry, rough skin on heels and soles. Xenna's patented CalleX® Ointment was developed to provide an acid-free, diabetic-friendly way to have smooth, baby-soft feet. It's also moisturizing and free of parabens and colorants."

CalleX Ointment uses natural enzymes to thin and soften hardened, thickened skin and remove dry, cracked, or scaly buildup anywhere on the foot, including toes and heels. Newly patented, CalleX also moisturizes the foot and has been shown in consumer studies to significantly reduce thickened skin areas within 15 to 30 days.

Buck says, "When I go to the Jersey Shore, I can't help but notice people's feet, because, well, that's the business I'm in. You'd be surprised how many men wear hot, sweaty sneakers on the sand and boardwalk. If they are not joggers, I often suspect they're hiding their toenails because they're embarrassed by the way they look. If they only knew that with our products and a little effort, they could be confident in showing off their handsome, bare feet! Likewise, many women spend a fortune on monthly pedicures to get their heels exfoliated! CalleX Ointment is a much easier and less expensive way to have beautiful, bare heels!"

NonyX Nail Gel can be purchased in the foot care section of mass retailers, including Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, Wal-Mart, Longs, Eckerd Pharmacy, Brooks Pharmacy, Duane Reade, HEB grocery stores and most Medicine Shoppes. Online, it is also available at www.drugstore.com and www.xenna.com.

CalleX Ointment is sold in the foot care section of Walgreens, Longs and many Medicine Shoppe pharmacies, and online at www.drugstore.com and at www.xenna.com. It will be in the HEB grocery chain in December 2006.

For photos of toenails and heels before and after using Xenna products, click on www.xenna.com.

Xenna Corporation is a privately-held, woman-owned company based in Princeton, NJ, dedicated to the development of naturally-based, effective personal care products. To contact them call 800-368-6003 (business hours, Mon-Friday Eastern Time).