A newly-developed spray protects feet from infections by disinfecting shoes.
The product, called Hyperion D, is based on a NASA research programme. Hyperion D instantly kills shoe microorganisms and provides long-term protection against foot reinfections for months.
Hyperion D can also be sprayed on socks, bandages, and other types of footwear.
Foot infection is one of the most significant diabetic complications. Over time, prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia damages the nerves in the feet, which makes small wounds harder to detect and slower to heal. Minor cuts and abrasions can lead to ulcers, and ulcers can lead to amputation. Diabetes is responsible for the vast majority of leg amputations in the UK, with over 100 needing to be performed every week.
Hyperion D solves the problem of reinfection. After treating the feet, the shoes and socks need to be disinfected to prevent the serious risk of reinfection. Too often, people with diabetes are treating their feet, but then putting them back in infective shoes.
Using Hyperion D is simple: the user just sprays the inside of shoe -while being careful not to hit the outside of the shoe – so that the entire inside is damp. Then the insole is removed, and that too is sprayed all over. Once the shoe is dry, it is ready to wear again. Lab tests indicate that Hyperion D is three times more efficient than bleach for killing bacteria.
Hyperion D is available in two different bottle sizes: 50mls, which can disinfect two pairs of shoes; and 300mls, which is sufficient to treat 12 pairs of shoes.
A similar product, Hyperion L, can be added to washing machines to sterilise socks and other infected laundry.
Hyperion D has been approved by the NHS, and it satisfies European Union criteria for safety and effectiveness.

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