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63
school medical officer. The course of the disease is ascertained
by frequent microscopical examinations. This is the
only method of diagnosing the presence of Ringworm with
absolute certainty, and is always adopted when the naked
eye appearances afford any room for doubt. In case of any
dispute or doubt on the part of the parent, the diseased hairs
can be permanently preserved for reference. The method
adopted is to soak the hairs in ether, then in 20 per cent.
potash. The spores of the Ringworm fungus can then be
detected by the microscope.
In spite of the strict exclusion of all infected children
from school, new cases continue to arise.
The most common source of contagion in the past has
been the intimacy of school-life; this may now be almost
eliminated. Whence, then, comes the infection of the new
cases which arise? A certain number come into Ilford from
other districts with the disease already present on the scalp.
Many children under the age of five are affected by Ringworm,
which may be unrecognised by the mother. These cases are
probably the most fertile sources of infection to those children
with whom they associate. As these children under
five do not as yet come under the observation of the school
medical officer, but little can be done in preventing infection
beyond educating the parents to recognise the disease and
obtain treatment.
Again, those infected children which have been excluded
from school may communicate the disease to their relatives
and playmates. Parents do not always recognise the necessity
for great care in preventing spread of infection. Children
with Ringworm should not attend children's parties,
visit swimming baths, or play such games as football; their
caps, brushes, towels, etc., should be kept separate, and they
should not be attended by a hairdresser. This latter individual
affords another source of contagion. Unless he