Sun, Sand, and Safety: Mastering the ABCDEs of Skin Health this May

As the lilac bushes begin to bloom in Portsmouth and the breeze off the Piscataqua River turns warm, we know summer is just around the corner. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to audit your skin before trading your sweaters for swimsuits at Wallis Sands or Jenness Beach.

At Seacoast Dermatology, we want you to enjoy every minute of the New Hampshire summer, but we want you to do it safely. While sunscreen is your first line of defense, your second is vigilance.

Why the “ABCDE” Rule Matters

Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is highly treatable when caught early. The best way to stay ahead of it is by performing a monthly self-check. We use the ABCDE acronym to help you identify “ugly ducklings”—moles or spots that don’t look quite right.

Local Tips for a Sun-Safe Portsmouth Summer

Living on the Seacoast means we deal with unique sun exposure. Here’s how to stay protected from Market Square to the Isles of Shoals:

• The 10-to-4 Rule: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. If you’re heading to Prescott Park for an afternoon stroll, seek the shade of the trees.
• The Fog Deception: Don’t let a “gray day” on the coast fool you. Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog.
• UPF is Your Friend: If you’re out on a boat, a lightweight UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirt provides more consistent protection than sunscreen that might wash off in the salt water.

When to See a Professional

Self-checks are vital, but they don’t replace a professional eye. A board-certified dermatologist uses specialized tools (like dermoscopy) to see patterns beneath the skin’s surface that the naked eye can’t detect.

Pro Tip: If you have a history of frequent sunburns (especially those blistering ones from childhood) or a family history of skin cancer, an annual full-body skin exam should be a non-negotiable part of your yearly health routine.

Schedule Your Pre-Summer Checkup

Before you head out to the Great Bay or the Atlantic, give your skin the “all-clear.” Our team here in Portsmouth is dedicated to keeping your skin healthy, clear, and cancer-free.

Call Seacoast Dermatology today to book your annual skin screening. Let’s make this summer a safe one!