Too red-faced to see your GP?

We test counter treatments for your embarrassing ailments

TWO thirds of us avoid going to the GP for conditions we find embarrassing to talk about, according to a recent survey, instead trying treatments we’ve bought online or over-the-counter in the privacy of our own homes. But before you try DIY remedies this festive season, see what leading experts told CAROLINE JONES about the latest products (which we then rated).

BAD BREATH

CB12 Mint-Menthol Mouthwash, 250ml, €13,99, boots.ie

CLAIM: This treats bad breath by ‘neutralising sulphur gases in the mouth’ for up to 12 hours with a patented ingredient called CB12, which contains zinc acetate and chlorhexidine, says the maker. Rinse with 10ml for one minute, gargle and spit out.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘The biggest cause of halitosis [bad breath] is strongly smelling foods such as raw onions, garlic or curry,’ says Bill Schaeffer, a dental surgeon.

‘Smoking is another big culprit, as is poor dental hygiene.

‘This mouthwash contains similar antibacterial agents to many mouthwashes — chlorhexidine diacetate and zinc acetate dihydrate (CB12). But it also contains alcohol, an antiseptic some research suggests could damage the cells of the mouth lining — and it can worsen dry mouth conditions that can cause bad breath.’ 7/10

FLATULENCE

Lifeplan WindAway Activated Charcoal, 30 capsules, €6.79, hollandandbarrett.ie

CLAIM: Charcoal tablets absorb and relieve unwanted gas, says the maker. Take three capsules at least half an hour before a meal and three capsules after eating. Don’t exceed 12 capsules a day.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘Everyone emits up to a litre of gas each day, a byproduct when waste food ferments in the colon,’ says Maxwell Asante, a leading consultant gastroenterologist.

‘Excessive flatulence occurs if the stool stays too long in the colon or there’s been a change in the gut bacteria.

‘There’s no credible research to show “activated” charcoal [heated to increase its absorptive power] can help with flatulence.

‘I recommend drinking plenty of water to prevent the stool staying in the colon for too long, taking probiotics or eating fermented foods for healthier gut bacteria — and avoiding trigger foods.’ 4/10

EXCESS SWEATING

Dermadry Total, €415.95, dermadry.com

CLAIM: This ‘iontophoresis’ machine delivers a mild electric current through the skin via a skin patch, said to interrupt the connection between nerves and the sweat glands. It promises to retrain the skin to sweat less when used twice a week for 15 minutes.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for excess sweating, affects up to 3 per cent of the population,’ says Dr Ross Perry, a GP and medical director of a leading skin clinic.

‘A few studies show using safe, painless electrical currents as with this machine can work well f or some people with hand sweating — however, the results of this can wear off.

‘Overall this is safe and, although not cheap, costs very slightly less than treatment with botulinum toxin [‘Botox’] injections, which are effective in paralysing the nerves around the sweat ducts — but can cost around €600 each.’ 6/10

FUNGAL TOENAILS

Miaderma Fungal Nail Treatment, 5ml, €11, hollandandbarrett.ie

CLAIM: The treatment contains isk1320, a chemical the maker says ‘penetrates the surface of the nail and kills fungi within 20 seconds’. This paint-on solution claims to be ‘100 per cent effective’ and stops other nails from becoming infected. Apply two or three times per day to the affected nail.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘ Fungi l i ve harmlessly on all healthy toenails, but if nails become damaged, from for example, too-tight shoes or stubbing your toe, the nail plate becomes weakened allowing fungus to get into the nail bed and skin,’ says Martine Silverman, a podiatrist.

‘I can’t find any scientific sources to show the effectiveness of isk1320. All anti-fungal nail paints have a pretty low effectiveness — between a 6 to 20 per cent success rate. This product may help stop the spread of infection, but it’s unlikely that 100 per cent of nails treated will become fungal free and certainly not within 20 seconds as claimed. 3/10

PILES

Hemoclin Gel, 45ml, €18.79, amazon.co.uk

CLAIM: This gel to treat piles contains what the maker calls 2 QR complex, an ingredient derived from the aloe vera plant, and claims it encourages the natural healing process. It promises to soothe sore, inflamed skin for fast relief.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘Piles occur when blood vessels in the anus become enlarged and swollen as a result of straining or other factors that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as lifting heavy objects, says consultant gastroenterologist Dr Maxwell Asante.

‘These blood-filled bulges of tissue can protrude and, when the skin gets rubbed against the bottom cheeks and clothing, can become irritated and itchy.

‘This product contains mainly soothing ingredients — aloe vera extract and polyglucomic acid cross polymer (a moisturiser) have both been found anecdotally to help heal irritated anal skin — but there’s no robust medical data.

This cream may help soothe the skin but it won’t cure the piles.’ 5/10

CONSTIPATION

Microlax Rectum Enema, pack of 12, €20, most chemists in store CLAIM: Squeeze a little gel using a soft single-use pipette into the rectum to get the bowels moving within ten minutes, says the maker. EXPERT VERDICT: Dr Asante says: ‘Constipation is caused by sluggish colon movements — this product contains sodium citrate and sodium alkylsulphoacetate, which draw water into the lower bowel to soften the stool and make it easier to push out.

‘This can be beneficial for a stagnated stool stuck in the last part of the colon, but it won’t help if it’s stuck further upstream.

‘ The best way to alleviate constipation is by addressing the causes, for instance, drinking more water. #

‘If symptoms persist for longer than a fortnight, see your doctor.’ 6/10

INCONTINENCE

The Leg Master, €99.45, legmaster.co.uk

CLAIM: This piece of equipment — which looks like a pogo stick — claims to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to reduce bladder leakages. You stand upright on the metal frame and pull the sliding foot panels in towards the body, repeating for just a minute each day.

EXPERT VERDICT: Maria Vella, a consultant gynaecologist says: ‘This is aimed at treating stress incontinence (due to a weakened pelvic floor), but I can’t find any robust research to support its use for this condition.

‘The website says the device is clinically proven but this appears to be from a small-scale study and I’m not sure the claim has been verified independently. It’s also difficult to be sure if it will definitely target the correct pelvic floor muscles.’ 2/10

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Stays-Hard penile support, €66.30, stays-hard.com

CLAIM: Developed in conjunction with urologists, this double wire loop goes around the base and tip of penis and has a piece of wire in the middle to increase blood flow and help maintain erections, says the maker.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘This device is not something I have come across before,’ says Guy Webster, a consultant urologist. ‘Some men report it’s useful but I’m not sure how pulling the penis upright will increase blood flow any more than arousal itself. I recommend patients try a penis vacuum pump, which can increase erections by encouraging some blood flow into it.’ 3/10