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and a Faradic current is then passed through the water. Treatment is
continued for 15 minutes and is administered twice weekly until the
symptoms subside.
Scabies.—There was an increase in the incidence of scabies. In
1937 the number of cases dealt with was 108 compared with 94 in 1936.
Scabies and verminous cases can now be more satisfactorily treated
owing to the provision of two slipper and shower baths and a disinfector
at the Municipal Medical Centre. The availability of in-patient hospital
treatment for scabies is, however, highly desirable, and would materially
shorten the protracted periods of absence from school caused by this
disease.
Cleansing of verminous children is undertaken by the school nurses.
Ringworm of the scalp has become a comparatively rare disease
among Tottenham school children owing to early detection and treatment
by X-rays.
Visual Defects and External Eye Diseases.—The number of
children found to have visual defects was 840. In 720 cases spectacles
were prescribed, and in every instance these were obtained. Many cases
of blepharitis were exceedingly chronic in nature. In numerous instances
this was due to irregularity in attending at the clinics for treatment and
to lack of care and cleanliness in the home.
Untreated cases of squint are more rarely met with among school
children than was formerly the case. This is due to the fact that treatment
is obtained before the child attains school age.
Nose and Throat Defects.—The number of children for whom
treatment for enlarged tonsils and adenoids was advised was 644.
Operative treatment was carried out in 469 instances, certain of these
cases having been carried over from the previous year. The number
awaiting operation had assumed considerable proportions by the end of
the year owing to the non-existence of an agreement with the Middlesex
County Council for the admission of Tottenham cases to their hospital.
An agreement was subsequently made and the admission of cases to the
North Middlesex Hospital was resumed on December 1st. A similar