When I lived and worked in Washington state, I had a job that required a lot of traveling to different parts of washington. I met a lot of interesting people who bowled at different houses - I would stop by an alley along my route and have lunch at these places and made many friends. I made friends with one guy whose nickname was "mountain" and kinda reminded me of Steve Cook, lefty 6'6" mini Shaq. He was a heavy equipment mechanic who had thumb issues while bowling.

Anyway, he said he didn't like using slide powder since he has dry hands. He had issues with his thumb being stuck or too tight. But what he used to solve this issue, was Chapstick. He would not show anyone what he did. He would apply chapstick on the side of his thumb while his hand was in his pocket.

I've never heard of anyone before or after meeting him using chapstick. but it worked for him. not so sure if it's legal though......

I've carried a tube of Chapstick in my bag since the '80s.  If my thumb swells, just apply a little to each side and can clear out of the ball very easy.

Someone told me they use Perparation H when their thumb swells.  I didn't even want to ask for more details on application, lol.

In case of skin splitting, I carry super glue with me. Apply to area that's split, hold together, let dry.

These aren't really weird, just tips or quick fixes that bowlers have used in the past.

Besides the Chapstick, some bowlers have used soapstone for both their thumb and slide shoe.  Others who have encountered swollen thumb have used a handkerchief or a rolled up dollar bill, wrapping it around the thumb and then inserting into the thumb hole to force liquid out of the thumb. 

For a slightly loose thumb hole, some bowlers will blow into the thumb hole before placing the thumb into it.  Moisture from their breath will help hold onto the ball.

To hold tape onto skin, use Compound Tincture of Benzoin. 

To get more slide, you can use teflon discs to make slide pucks for your sliding shoe.

I use Compound Tincture of Benzoin for my thumb tape because it just doesn't stick to my skin. 

If it's warm and my thumb is somewhat swollen and tacky, I will put super glue on the sides and there are no more problems!

 Used to carry a regular lead pencil with me. Back before there were interchangeable soles, I used it to "slick up" the sole of my slide shoe on sticky approaches by coloring in the slide sole with it.

 Used the soapstone thing as well. Used a pocketknife to scrape off some shavings, then rub it on the offending spot like powder. VERY effective!