I am not posting a picture of my stye.  It wasn’t a bad one and if you want to see an image – get to Googling!  Suffice it to say, they are painful red swellings on the eyelid.  Traditional treatment includes hot compresses and avoidance of eye makeup.  Or a trip to the eye doctor in severe cases.  I have stopped my last 2 styes in their tracks by using organic coconut oil at first symptoms.  Coconut oil has a myriad of uses and this may be my favorite.  It’s antibacterial, antimicrobial and antibiotic.  Basically, it’s magic!

We have used lots of different brands and have been pleased with almost all.  Just be sure you are getting cold-pressed, extra virgin, ORGANIC versions.  So, for stye treatment, first wash your hands thoroughly and remove any eye makeup.  Take a small amount (pea-sized) and allow the heat from your hands to melt it. Using a very soft touch, pull the bottom eyelid away (kind of like you are inserting a contact lens) and use your other hand to apply the melted coconut oil to the bottom of the eye and tear duct.  This is easier if you turn your gaze away.  Using the same soft touch, spread the coconut oil up underneath the top eyelashes and around the eyelid.  You will probably experience a haziness from the oil coating.  That’s OK.  The coconut oil should not burn or cause any discomfort.  I do this just before bedtime and then it doesn’t matter if your vision is cloudy.  Apply 2-3 times per day.  Forgo makeup and keep your hands out of your eyes, otherwise!  Styes are contagious and can be spread to the other eye – so wash hands well before touching unaffected eye.  Hot compresses are also helpful.  My favorite way to do this is using a steeped tea bag – especially chamomile or green tea.  Just squeeze the tea bag to remove excess water and hold the hot tea bag on the affected eye.  Be patient.  It may take a couple of days before all the swelling abates but if it seems to be worsening or excessively painful, seek care from your provider.