Sun Damage, Age Spots & Skin Cancer Risk: What New Hampshire Patients Should Know

New Hampshire residents enjoy outdoor activities year-round—skiing, hiking, boating, and lake days. But cumulative sun exposure can lead to long-term skin damage.

Understanding the difference between cosmetic sun damage and medically concerning lesions is essential.

What Does Sun Damage Look Like?

Common signs include:

• Brown spots (solar lentigines)
• Rough, scaly patches
• Uneven skin tone
• Fine lines

Some sun damage is cosmetic—but some may be precancerous.

Age Spots vs. Precancerous Lesions

While age spots are typically harmless pigmentation changes, rough, scaly lesions that persist could be actinic keratoses—a precancerous condition requiring treatment.

A board-certified dermatologist can evaluate and determine whether a lesion is benign or needs intervention.

Why Annual Skin Checks Matter

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Patients with a history of sun exposure, fair skin, or family history of skin cancer should consider annual full-body skin exams.

Treatment Options

Depending on the concern, treatment may include:

• Cryotherapy
• Prescription topical therapy
• Biopsies when needed
• Laser treatments for cosmetic sun damage

Protecting Your Skin Moving Forward

Daily sunscreen—even in winter—is critical. Snow can reflect UV rays, increasing exposure during colder months.

If you’ve noticed new or changing spots, or want to address cosmetic sun damage, the New Hampshire dermatology team at APDerm can help.

Schedule your skin evaluation at one of our New Hampshire locations today.