It could have easily been allowed for sugar to be applied after the fact. I was unsure if this was proper technique, but I am not following the inappropriateness. Calm down the skin because the fact is that the sugar was both unsanitary and without anticipation. I would not do this again.
If you want for the sugarless type foods to be used, than how can it also be allowed for sugar to be used? I have never heard of xylitol being used in combination with regular sugar. Unless one were to just honey. That would be ok in my opinion. It would always get through, and it would be much appreciated. Xylitol, the mistress of sugar.