Are you allergic to your washing powder?

Unexplained itchiness driving you to distraction? The answer could be lurking in your laundry basket.

Few things feel nicer than putting on a freshly washed pair of pyjamas, but once I did exactly this and almost instantly broke out in an unbearably itchy bout of hives.

In my search for the cause, I inspected the laundry detergent box – and it left me none the wiser. Among ‘other ingredients’, the vague list named:

• 15-30% oxygen-based bleaching agents

• 5-15% non-ionic surfactants

• >5% zeolite, cationic surfactants, poly carboxylates, phosphonates, soap

• Optical brightener and perfume

For me, “oxygen-based bleaching agents” and “optical brighteners” are far too vague, and clearly made-up ingredient names.

Now I know we’re not ingesting the stuff, but environmental triggers such as household products can cause serious flare-ups, as my sore and itchy back proved.

For that reason, we sensitive skin sufferers need to know exactly what’s in the box.

Here’s what I’ve learnt about selecting more sensitive skin-friendly washing powders…

• Pick a liquid detergent over a powder, as it’s less likely to leave residues in your fabric.

• Choose a non-biological detergent as these are enzyme-free. It’s thought that enzymes can aggravate damaged skin and many report an immediate improvement after switching from biological.

• Use half of the recommended amount of detergent or opt for eco wash balls instead.

• Use less detergent on garments and bed linen that is going to be in direct contact with the skin for sustained periods of time.

• Pick an unfragranced detergent, as artificial fragrances are one of the most common skin irritants.

• Opt for a long rinse cycle to ensure all detergent residues have been washed away.

• Don’t overload your machine as this can prevent thorough rinsing.