The therapy of diseases of the skin is still considered an art by many, and it is certainly true that seldom in medicine must schematic therapeutic procedures be avoided and the patient's entire personality borne in mind as much as in the treatment of diseases of the skin. The eyelids are an especially delicate and sensitive region of the skin, the condition and reactivity of which must be well considered before measures are taken for the treatment of their diseases.
The healthy skin is characterized by a certain turgescence, elasticity and color, all of which are subject to regular changes with age. The surface of the skin is protected and lubricated by a thin waterproof coating, the product of the sebaceous glands, the sebum. Under normal conditions the emulsion of moisture (sweat) and fat (sebum) on the surface of the skin is such as to maintain proper turgescence and greasiness,