This page doesn’t describe creams and ointments as a treatment for an infected wound, and for surgical wounds you should not apply them unless you are told to.
When caring for a surgical wound, do not apply antibiotic cream or other products unless your surgeon tells you to.
For an open surgical wound, that goes further: do not put any lotion, cream, or herbal remedies on or around your wound, unless your provider has said it is OK. And for a closed one: do not use lotions, powders, cosmetics, or any other skin care products on the wound.
Treatment for a skin infection is different in kind. For cellulitis, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics to take by mouth. You may be given pain medicine as well, if needed. Cellulitis usually goes away after taking antibiotics for 7 to 10 days, and longer treatment may be needed if it is more severe.
By mouth. That is the route, and no cream is offered as an alternative.
Sometimes more than tablets is needed: a hospital stay may be required if you are very sick, if you have been on antibiotics and the infection is getting worse, if your immune system is not working well, if the infection is around your eyes, or if you require antibiotics through a vein.
There is one related thing that is recommended, and it is prevention rather than treatment. Whenever you have a break in the skin, clean it carefully with soap and water, apply petroleum jelly every day, cover with a bandage and change it every day, and watch for redness, pain, drainage, or other signs of infection. Petroleum jelly is not an antibiotic.
The practical point: a wound that looks infected is a reason to be seen, not a reason to reach for a tube. Reaching for one may also delay the call.