End of Summer Skin SOS: Top Concerns on the Seacoast in August

August in New Hampshire is the sweet spot of summer. We’re spending every free moment at Hampton Beach, boating out of Portsmouth, or hiking in the humid late-summer air. But while you’re squeezing the last drops of fun out of the season, your skin might be waving a white flag.

The combination of intense UV rays, high humidity, and constant exposure to the elements creates a perfect storm for skin issues. At Seacoast Dermatology, these are the top four concerns we see in our Portsmouth, Exeter, and Dover clinics every August—and what you should do about them.

1. The “Sneaky” Overcast Sunburn

We see it all the time: “But it was cloudy!” Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through New England’s famous summer cloud cover. Add in the UV reflection from the ocean and sand, and you can get a blistering sunburn even when the sun never fully breaks through. While aloe can soothe a mild burn, repeated severe burns significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.

2. Sweat-Induced Breakouts (Folliculitis)

Late summer in Portsmouth is incredibly humid. When excess oil mixes with sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants, it creates a “glue” that clogs pores. This often leads to folliculitis—which looks like acne but is actually inflamed hair follicles. If you’re noticing red bumps on your chest, back, or shoulders after a long beach day, the coastal humidity is likely to blame.

3. Fungal Infections (The Beach Towel Blues)

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Sitting in a damp bathing suit after a swim, walking barefoot in shared locker rooms, or reusing a less-than-fresh beach towel can easily lead to fungal infections. Tinea versicolor, a common yeast overgrowth, often peaks in August and causes discolored patches on the chest and back that become very noticeable against summer tans.

4. Plant Rashes and “Swimmer’s Itch”

More time outside means more run-ins with nature. Whether it’s contact dermatitis from poison ivy while hiking, or “swimmer’s itch” (cercarial dermatitis) from local ponds and lakes, late summer brings a host of intensely itchy rashes.

When Over-the-Counter Isn’t Enough: Time to See a Dermatologist

Most of the time, adjusting your skincare routine or grabbing an over-the-counter cream will clear up minor summer skin woes. But you shouldn’t have to suffer through an itchy, painful, or persistent issue.

It is time to schedule an appointment with Seacoast Dermatology if:

• You have a sunburn that is blistering, spreading rapidly, or accompanied by fever or chills.
• A rash or breakout is intensely itchy, painful, or not responding to drugstore treatments.
• You notice a rash spreading to sensitive areas like your face.
• You spot any new, changing, or unusual moles. Summer is the perfect reminder that regular skin cancer screenings are a necessity, especially given our high rates of UV exposure on the water!

Don’t let skin issues ruin the end of your summer. The board-certified experts at Seacoast Dermatology are here to provide comprehensive care so you can get back to enjoying a New Hampshire summer.