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(d) SKIN DISEASES.
The majority of skin diseases are already included under the
Section, "Minor Ailments," and treated at the Clinics. One,
however, needs special mention, as a special line of treatment is
adopted. Ringworm of the scalp, if discovered quite early and
before any large area is involved, may be treated at the Clinic and
its course cut short, but if well-established can only be adequately
and expeditiously dealt with by X-Rays.
Arrangements have accordingly been made for this method
of treatment (1) with Dr. Kennedy, (2) with the London Hosp'.tal,
leaving the choice to the parent. The child is first examined by
one of the School Medical staff, hairs taken for examination,
the diagnosis confirmed, or otherwise and, if necessary, a voucher
given for treatment on behalf of the Education Authority. 49
cases out of 84 received X-Ray treatment. Ringworm of the
body is more amenable to drug treatment, and 248 such cases
were treated at the Clinics.
Scabies is sometimes a difficult skin disease to treat at the
Clinics, as one must rely to a certain extent on domestic measures
as well. Nevertheless 81 cases were cured at the Clinics. (See
Table IV., Group 1.)
(e) EXTERNAL EYE DISEASE.
These conditions figure largely among the children sent tothe
Clinics by the Head Teachers. Being fairly obvious they are
easily detected in an early stage, and drafted to the Clinics by the
Clinic Attendance Cards, with which Teachers are provided. The
number treated under the Authority's Scheme, as compared with
that undertaken privately, is shown in Table IV (1) under the
heading of "Minor Ailments," the proportion being roughly 13
to 1. Only 73 cases were treated by private endeavour.
(f) DEFECTIVE VISION.
The Authority have made arrangements for these defects to
be dealt with at the Balaam Street Clinic. Mr. E. Erskine
Henderson, F.R.C.S., and Dr. G. A. Troup, the Committee's
Oculists, undertake refractions on three afternoon sessions per
week.
There is usually a waiting list for this treatment, which is
made up from the recommendations of the Assistant School
Medical Officers at their routine and special inspections in school.
Apart from this, the teachers notify the School Medical Officer
direct at any time of children who appear to have defective sight.
The appointments are made from the office and the children attend
twice. Prescriptions are made up at contract prices by the Eastern
Optical Company. Every case prescribed for is followed up, and
warning letters are sent to parents who persistently neglect their
children's requirements in this direction.
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