my 81 yo grandma has 2 enormous puffy black eyes, they are the colour of aubergines

[gigglinggoblin]

she looks like she has been mugged but actually fell and banged her head. thing is she is hiding in the house cos she doesnt want to be seen, but is supposed to be coming to ds1s birthday party on saturday and she is going to be upset to miss it but embarrassed to be there. it is only his school friend party, we are having a family party later which she wont mind being seen at so it isnt all bad i suppose, but does anyone know how long it takes for the colour to reduce? she did it a couple of days ago, i suppose there is no chance by saturday is there?

they are also really itchy but she cant scratch tthem, does anyone know of anything which may help?

Lots of people recommend arnica for bruises, I'm not sure if you can use it in the eye area though. Failing that, a large pair of Jackie O sunglasses and lots of make-up might cover it up enough.

Don't know the answers to your questions but - are you absolutely certain she didn't have a stroke. Your description sounds remarkably similar to my mother-in-law a couple of years back and it turned out she'd had a minor stroke. Has your grandma been seen by a doctor?

In older people it will take a longer time for the bruising to go down completely, more than a week and it will prob go yellow for a while. You can use arnicha cream on the eye or even take arnmica tablet, although you should check with a professional before taking it, (have a suspicion arnica tab can react with some meds)
Other things that would be of use,

lasonil is a ointment esp for bruises avail from chemist.
Haemmaroid cream will reduce swelling.
Piriton will help with the itching

thanks for all suggestions, will recommend them the lotions and potions to her but looks like it might be dark glasses this weekend

i didnt know that about strokes robinia, she did see a doctor so i dont think it is the case (at least i hope not). she tripped over a loose floor tile and hit her head but didnt lose conciousness. it is quite a scary thought tho