In general -- when treating infected skin -- you should not use any antibiotic ointments or moisturizers on the skin itself.
It is important to keep potentially infected skin clean and dry.
You should start to see results from the antibiotics with two to three days.
Until the infection has cleared -- it is usually recommeneded that you keep any extra creams and ointments off of the area, as they may impede the healing process.
Doctor (MD)
U.S. Physician/Surgeon in Neurosurgery
i'm glad i asked! My skin is starting to shead; should i just use a wet washcloth and dab at the skin to remove the dead tissue?
Yes, in general keeping the skin clean and dry is best during these first few days.
And certainly -- you should see improvements within the first two to three days -- if not, having your doctor reexamine you and consider other antibiotics is best.