Finish wearing on fretboard

I have a Walnut Valley dulcimer I purchased second hand in October 2018.  The instrument is immaculate and it appears to have never been played. I have played it almost daily since late October. I play noter drone and am getting some wear in the finish under the melody string. I am guessing it is a lacquer finish. This is puzzling because I had a Walnut Valley dulcimer I bought new in 1993 and never have had this problem. This most recent one was also built in 1993. I sold my original to a fellow club member and to this date it has no wear to the finish under the strings.

I need some recommendations. The problem appears to be mostly aesthetic.  Thanks friends for your feedback