Guarantee it’s the leakage.
Although, you’ve tried ilex and it’s caused issues, have you ever tried applying it just to the inside of the anal sphincter ?
I’ve had tremendous results when treatIng and alleviating the pain and discomfort of anal fissures, by applying the ilex internally.
Yeah, it sounds horrendous and somewhat uncomfortable but sometimes, needs must, especially when the benefit outweighs the discomfort and when applying it, it’s not so bad.
Although, on the ilex box and tube, it says for “ External Use Only ” and I’ve been using it how I've described on and off for years and without issues.
Unless treating severe diaper rash type butt burn or extensive skin erosion around a stoma; I find less is more. Meaning to prevent butt burn or skin erosion, only a small pea size amount of ilex is required and spread over the area to be protected, so it lies on top.
Otherwise, as you say, it becomes thick and gloopy and difficult to remove; although, I find it’s easily removed with wet wipes rather than use baby oil.