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......