Hi Andy.
As you say, pics needed. Yet if it is on the sides it often peels up at the edges as it dries and you can get a hold of it to pull it away.
IMO you should always remove the bark/cambium layer from the sides of any bowl, it makes it a lot easier to work on. Plus you can never seem to be able to finish the area off very well.
Just my pennyworth worth until you can post a photo.