When I mentioned the itching to my surgeon he said it is usually caused by "leaking" or "seeping".....sometimes we can't feel it happening and sometimes it is clear so no tell tale signs! His suggestion was to do what you are doing.....keep the area clean.....and to use a barrier cream so the seepage doesn't touch the skin. Fortunately, for me, I don't experience this often but when I do the above mentioned technique works. Good luck on finding something that works for the gas. No fun!