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87
Cleanliness.
There can be no question of doubt of the advance
in cleanliness of the children attending elementary
schools both in regard to clothing and body. Of 12,969
examinations only 478 showed evidence of verminous
conditions, i.e., 3.6 per cent. This is mainly due to the
higher standard of hygienic practice in the homes of
the people, and partly due to the routine vermin inspections
carried out by the school nurses. The chronic
offender we shall always have with us, and in spite of
exclusion and prosecution there has been little improvement
in their condition. Five prosecutions were instituted
under the school attendance bye-laws, but the fines
levied have been nominal and without effect. Until
uncleanliness is taken as neglect and cruelty, prosecution
will have little effect upon the mother who welcomes
exclusion of her child from school, even although that
exclusion is due to the verminous condition of her child.
Skin Disease.
Except for urticarial rashes, skin diseases, which at
one time were so common, have practically disappeared
from the routine medical inspections. This is not so at
the Minor Ailment Treatment Clinic, for here skin
diseases occupy the main proportion of the school nurses'
time. Nevertheless, the early treatment of these cases
at the Clinic prevents the spread of infection into schools,
and explains the absence of skin disease at the routine
medical inspections. Ringworm appeared in only three
cases during the year, and its comparative absence thus
effected a saving in school attendance. Scabies occurred
in 15 cases, whilst there were 126 cases of impetigo.
Ringworm continues to be treated by X-Ray by arrangement
with Guy's Hospital, whilst routine treatment is
continued for impetigo and for scabies. Artificial sunlight
has certainly assisted the chronic impetigo cases.
Eye Clinic.
Seven per cent. of children examined at the routine
medical inspection showed defective vision untreated
and undiscovered until the routine inspection. A further