I have lived in my flat for seven years and every time I take a bath or shower I am left itching. It only happens at my flat I am fine at my mum's, friends and on holiday. Could there be something in my water tank or could it be a reaction to hard water?

I am fine with washing my hands or face, although they do feel really dry after washing, but they don't itch. Any suggestions?

:confused:

It is the same water coming out of the spigots, so it isn't the water making you itch.

If you use a different soak in the shower than on your face, then the soap is probably making you itch. In addition, it could be the detergent residue on your washcloth. If you are only itching in your private parts, discontinue all products you are currently using on your body and see if that helps. Just use water. It is a matter of trial and error to find the product you are allergic to.

Choux may be right about the soap. Although, it is possible you are allergic to chlorine disinfectant in the water. Some cities use what are called chloramine, free chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to maintain a disinfectant residual in the water as it travels through the city. The different types of chlorine remain in the water until you use it. Some cities inject higher levels than others; this is because it either has a long way to travel until it gets used, or the water isn't of the highest quality to begin with.

Hard water is a depositor, it deposits minerals. That's the chalky white stuff you see in the shower doors and faucets. Soft water corrodes, it takes away from things. Soft water leaches metals from pipes. SO to answer your question about hard water, I dont;t think that hard water is problem unless the water is extremely hard. Washing with soap will remove the residue left behind on your body.

One more possible cause would be the pH level of the water. A pH good pH range for bathing and drinking would be 7.5-9.0. Water any lower than 7.5 is aggressive, any higher than 9.0 is also aggressive.