Can a €48 lightbulb really help banish foot odour?

FROM bunions to infections, do over-the-counter foot remedies work? Podiatrist Mike O’Neill reviews a selection.

FOOT ODOUR

UV Pro Elite, €47.75, myuvpro.com

THIS rechargeable ultraviolet lightbulb is said to combat bacteria and fungi that cause odour. Put in your shoe for ten minutes.

VERDICT: Ultraviolet light can kill germs but this is an expensive way to do it. Airing shoes in the sun would do the same thing and also removes moisture, which would otherwise promote the growth of bacteria and fungi. 1/5

FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Daktarin aktiv spray powder, 100ml, €5.59, lifeandlooks.com

This contains antifungal miconazole, said to protect against athlete’s foot. Spray on skin and in shoes twice a day.

VERDICT: The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist places such as shoes. Miconazole is a good antifungal and spraying shoes frequently helps keep fungus at bay. But there’s only so much a spray can do. Keep shoes fungus-free by airing them, and not using the same pair every day. 2/5

AGEING FEET

Spenco RX metatarsal pad, €10.60, physioroom.com

A FOOT pad that supports the ball of the foot and the metatarsal arch that runs across the width of the forefoot.

VERDICT: Metatarsalgia and inflammation in the ball of the foot, occurs as we age because the fat pad on the ball of the foot wears out. This is more common in older people, as well as women who wear high heels for long periods. Shoe inserts like this replace the function of the fat pad and provide shock absorption. 5/5

BUNIONS

Pedigel ball of foot and bunion protector sleeve, €20, footcaresupplies.com

THIS sleeve has a gel pad that relieves pain and protects bunions and prominent joints on the ball of the foot.

VERDICT: A bunion is a bony lump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe when it moves towards the second toe. Bunions run in families but squashing feet into high heels will make them worse. This sleeve will make them less painful. 4/5

DIABETIC ULCERS

Liqua Care flowgel insoles, €27.80, algeos.com

These contain a gel said to distribute the pressure from your body weight and improve circulation.

VERDICT: These are comfortable but the liquid may squash to one end, and there’s no guarantee it would provide sufficient pressure relief to be clinically effective. 3/5