[Report 1938] / Medical Officer of Health, Fife County Council.

  • Fife (Scotland). County Council.
Date:
1938
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1938] / Medical Officer of Health, Fife County Council. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    171/184 (page 171)
    In addition to the above, seventy-two children of pre-school age Vere sent for treatment—an increase of seventeen over last year, rhe attendances were 439. Not only was the number of cases of primary impetigo greater, but t was also noted that the disease occurred as a complication in other iflections. There was a slight increase in the number of cases of impetigo of the lead. This is always a more severe type of the disease, and is often associated with vermin. The disease was most prevalent in the months of September, October md November. It is not always easy to explain an increase of this affection. Many tictors enter into the problem ; but it is a disease spread by contact, ind early recognition and treatment is perhaps the most effective jneasure in controlling its spread. In this the help of parents and teachers is of great importance. They are in a position to recognise the first signs and to have early treatment carried out. Many do so vith commendable promptitude, but it would be well if more parents 'ecognised the familiar crusts and scabs as a warning, for the disease las an adverse influence on a child’s health in many ways. Group 2.—Ringworm of the Head and Body.—It is satisfactory :o record that only two cases of ringworm of the scalp were treated and ;hat there were no cases of ringworm of the body. One of the cases has been under treatment and observation for some time. Group 3.—Warts, Chilblains and Corns.—The number of new cases was :—Warts 203, Chilblains 44, Corns 29. It is interesting to jaote the considerable decrease in the number of cases of warts, par- ticularly in the Old Burgh. The cases themselves were less severe than usual with the result that 1143 fewer dressing had to be given than last [year. It may be recalled that a few years ago the number of cases of Warts in school children was exceptionally high. Group 4.—All Other Conditions :— (1) Vermin.—Only seven cases of nits and pediculi of the head were 'sent for treatment during the year. This is much the same as last year. ! (2) Molluscum Contagiosa.—Twenty-one cases were treated. In last year’s report it was noted that there had been a steady decrease in the number of these cases during the last four years. This year’s jfigure shows a decrease of one. ' (3) Scabies.—There was a decrease of eleven of these cases as compared with last year. The number treated was twenty-one. Children of Pre-School Age.—One hundred and eight infants and children of pre-school age were referred to the Clinics for treatment —an increase of twenty-three. Impetigo accounted for the greatest increase.