Can a £45 lightbulb really help banish foot odour?
From bunions to infections, do over-thecounter foot remedies work? mike o’Neill, a podiatrist at the Princess margaret hospital in Windsor, reviews a selection.
FOOT ODOUR
UV Pro elite, £42.65, 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 that lead to foot and nail infections. 1/5
FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Daktarin aktiv spray powder, 100ml, £4.39, most supermarkets and pharmacies 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 — cream is more effective as it delivers a concentrated dose. Keep shoes fungus-free by airing them, and not using the same pair every day. 2/5
AGEING FEET
Spenco rX metatarsal pad, £9.47, 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, pain 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 and reduce pain. If you have a severe problem, see a podiatrist. 5/5
BUNIONS
Pedigel ball of foot and bunion protector sleeve, £17.95, 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 won’t prevent bunions but will make them less painful. 4/5
DIABETIC ULCERS
Liqua Care flowgel insoles, £24.85, liquacare.co.uk THESE contain a gel said to distribute the pressure from your body weight and improve circulation to prevent foot ulcers.
VERDICT: Diabetics often develop foot ulcers due to uncontrolled blood sugar damaging nerves, leading to a lack of sensation in the foot. Wellfitting, shock-absorbing footwear will help prevent most foot complications. 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