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Of her foot inspections Dr. Adamson writes:—
"During 1954 our practise of routine foot inspections at schools
was continued as in previous years and it is gratifying to report
that by this periodic check the incidence of Verrucae or Warts has
been considerably lessened, and in the cases found at these inspections
the lesions are discovered at a much earlier stage thus improving
the chances of a more rapid cure. May I add that the staff of the
schools and even the children are becoming 'foot conscious' and
their co-operation has lightened our task to a great extent.
At these foot inspections a watchful eye is kept for cases of
Athlete's Foot, the incidence of which rises rapidly during the summer
months when the ideal conditions for the growth of the fungus,
namely heat and moisture, are present. This condition which commences
as peeling of the skin between the toes, causing irritation
to the affected individual, followed by possible spread to other
parts of the foot, is aggravated by the constant wearing of rubbersoled
shoes such as plimsolls—their use should be restricted to the
hours devoted to games and physical training.
Cases of Athlete's Foot are referred to their appropriate Minor
Ailment Clinic for treatment, while cases of Warts are referred to
the Skin Clinic at Upney Hospital."
Tuberculosis
As reported earlier the mass X-ray unit visited Barking in the
new year and (including some examinations carried out at the end
of 1953) 1,569 school children aged 14 years or over were X-rayed;
28 of these were recalled for large films; 4 cases of tuberculosis were
discovered- 1 boy with active disease and 1 with an inactive lesion,
together with two girls referred to in last year's report.
As anticipated, the scheme for B.C.G. vaccination of school
children in the 13-year age group was started this year. Parents of
the eligible children were sent letters describing the scheme and there
was a remarkable acceptance rate of 73%. The children were first
tested to find out whether they already had some resistance as a result
some pre\ious unknown and slight infection, and only 11.7% of
those tested showed such evidence (i.e. were "tuberculin positive").
These children were all invited to the Chest Clinic for X-ray. The
training 88.3% were "tuberculin negative" and all received B.C.G.
"Vitiation by either Dr. Martin or Dr. Seligmann who had received
special training in the technique.
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