DD has a nasty graze with some dirt in ti..

[mckenzie]

.. but is really complaining and crying when i try to clean it. I'm just using warm water and cotton wool and I don't seem to be getting any of the dirt out at all and she's creating. IF I try to go any deeper etc I think she'll scream the house down. Do i really need to scrape all the dirt out or can I dry it off for now and layer it in Savlon and see what it looks like later.

stop using the cotton wool for starters!

cotton wool can get stuck in/around the wound and cause an infection, as well as any germs that might be on it already that can't be seen.

i would leave it to dry, put a plaster loosley over it and then attempt to get her in the bath tonight. if the plaster is loose enough, the bathwater should get under it to the wound and at least give it a clean, even better if she is moving about in the water. If she is anything like mine though, she'll resist all attempts at getting her in the bath or she will stick the affected area outside of the bath. DD1 will get in and hang her arm/leg over the side of the bath, which is so not helpful

Hope she's ok

Be tough and use gauze and wash it very well removed anything with is black. It is better to get it out now than to wait for the infection to set. pin her down if necessary, tell her it will hurt (it will) and give her a cuddle and an ice cream afterward for her bravery. Explain that if she doesn't do it she might get worse and need the doctor....
DD1 likes (prefers) to do it herself.
No plaster.

Sorry I forgot, soap and wam water. Disinfectant after if you can, but if soaped well it should be enough.

Haven't you got a massive brown bottle full of something that really stings? Every home should have one, if only to use as a threat for children who won't let their wounds be washed. Lemousquetaire speaks sense.

thanks guys. I have some antiseptic wipes - are they any good?

I've just realised as well, I should be congratulating my DCs. This is the first time I have had to deal with something like this and they are 6 and nearly 10! That's pretty good going isn't it?

Might be bit late now, but for future reference. I got a large syringe from the local chemist (can't remember cost but wasn't expensive) and use it to squirt water/antiseptic over graze/cut. Was given this tip by BIL who works in A&E, it will wash out the area without having to rub

You can also get a savlon spray to wash it out. I usually used a good long soak in the bath followed by a plaster and savlon, - when the plaster is changed you generally find a load of dirt on it so it is gradually drawn out.