July is UV Safety Month, and it could not come at a better time. New Hampshire summers bring longer days, more time outdoors, and a lot more sun exposure. Time outside is good for your mood and your activity level, but unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation adds up over the years and is the leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma.
At Orchard Medical Group, our primary care team in Salem, Hampstead, and Manchester, NH helps patients build sun safety habits and catch skin changes early. Here is what to know this UV Safety Month and how your primary care provider fits into the picture.
How UV Exposure Affects Your Skin
UV rays from the sun penetrate skin cells and damage their DNA over time. Most of this damage happens gradually, through years of everyday exposure, not just from a single bad sunburn. That is why sun protection is something to practice all summer long, not just on the days you plan to be at the beach or pool. Many people do not notice the cumulative effects of sun exposure until their 40s, 50s, and beyond, when years of unprotected time outdoors finally start to show.
Common signs of UV damage include:
- Premature wrinkles and fine lines
- Dark spots or uneven skin tone
- Dry, leathery patches of skin
- New or changing moles
- Rough, scaly patches that do not heal
Some of these changes are cosmetic. Others, like new or changing moles, can be early warning signs of skin cancer and are worth a conversation with your provider.
Simple Sun Safety Habits That Make a Real Difference
You do not need to avoid the outdoors all summer to protect your skin. A few consistent habits go a long way:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher before heading outside, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating
- Seek shade during peak UV hours, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Choose lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for extended time outdoors
- Avoid tanning beds, which expose skin to concentrated UV radiation
These habits matter for everyone, regardless of skin tone. Lighter skin burns more easily, but people with darker skin tones can still develop sun damage and skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer in patients with darker skin is often diagnosed at a later, more serious stage simply because it goes unnoticed longer.
Why Skin Checks Belong in Your Primary Care Visits
Many people assume skin checks only happen with a dermatologist, but your primary care provider plays an important role too. During a routine physical, your provider can examine visible skin, ask about any moles or spots that have changed, and refer you to a dermatologist if something needs a closer look.
This matters because early detection changes outcomes. Skin cancer caught early is highly treatable, and a quick visual check during an appointment you are already attending costs you nothing extra. If it has been a while since someone took a close look at a changing mole or spot, your next primary care visit at Orchard Medical Group is a good time to bring it up.
When to Schedule a Visit
Do not wait for your annual physical if you notice any of the following:
- A mole that has changed in size, shape, or color
- A new dark spot that appeared suddenly
- A sore that bleeds, crusts, or does not heal within a few weeks
- A spot that itches, hurts, or feels different from the skin around it
Same-day and next-day appointments are available at Orchard Medical Group locations in Salem, Hampstead, and Manchester, NH, so you do not have to sit on a concern for weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my primary care provider check for skin cancer, or do I need a dermatologist?
Your primary care provider can perform a visual skin check during a routine visit and refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation or biopsy if needed. For many patients, this is the fastest way to get a concerning spot looked at.
Is sunscreen really necessary on cloudy days?
Yes. Up to 80 percent of UV rays pass through clouds, so skin damage can occur even when the sun is not directly visible. Daily sunscreen use, even on overcast days, helps reduce cumulative UV exposure.
At what age should skin checks start?
There is no single age requirement. Skin checks are useful at any age, but they become more important as you get older or if you have risk factors such as a family history of skin cancer, frequent childhood sunburns, or a large number of moles.
Are people with darker skin tones at risk for skin cancer?
Yes. The overall risk is lower than for lighter skin tones, but skin cancer in people with darker skin is often found later and can be more advanced at diagnosis. Checking your skin regularly and mentioning any changes to your provider applies to everyone.
What SPF level should I actually use?
Dermatology guidelines generally recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for daily use, reapplied every two hours when outdoors and more often if you are swimming or sweating.
Take a Step Toward Healthier Skin This Summer
UV Safety Month is a good reminder that sun protection is a year-round habit, not a one-time decision. Whether you need a routine physical, want a provider to take a look at a changing mole, or are simply due for a checkup, the team at Orchard Medical Group is here to help. Visit orchardmedgroup.com or call to schedule an appointment in Salem, Hampstead, or Manchester, NH today.
