What should you look for in a sun hat?
Dermatologists most often find basal and squamous cell skin cancers on the head and neck. That includes the face, neck, scalp and ears. So, all of those areas need to be protected equally from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
But what should you look for when choosing a hat specifically for sun protection? How wide should the brim be? And, are some fabrics or materials better than others?
Here’s what I tell...

What SPF should I use?
Sunscreen helps protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But which SPF is best?
MD Anderson dermatologists recommend sunscreen...
What to expect when you have a mole removed
Moles are common growths on the skin. Moles are benign, which means they’re not cancerous. But when melanocytes, the cells that make up moles...
Need a punch biopsy? Here’s what to expect
As a dermatologist, I examine skin all day, every day. If I see something concerning on your skin, I may perform a punch biopsy to learn more about it. A punch biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that takes a sample of your skin to check for signs of disease.
Here, I’ll answer common questions about punch biopsies.
What does a punch biopsy test for?Typically, we’ll do a punch biopsy if we see a rash...

5 things to know about raised moles
When people talk about moles, they are usually referring to a variety of skin growths, including true moles — which are also called nevi —...
Can dark-skinned people get a sunburn?
You might think you don’t need sunscreen if you have Black or brown skin. After all, the extra melanin that creates darker skin tones does...
Understanding ear cancer: Types, symptoms and treatment
Ear cancer can develop in any part of the ear. It often starts on the outside of the ear as a skin cancer, but it can also form inside...
6 myths about tanning safety
There can be a lot of misunderstandings about how safe it is to get a tan.
As a dermatologist, I love to debunk tanning myths....
9 things to know about lip cancer
Lip cancer describes cancer that develops on the inside or outside of the lip. Anyplace from where the lips touch each other and inward is...
9 things to know about sunglasses, eye protection and cancer
You’ve put on your UPF-rated clothing, applied your sunscreen and positioned your beach umbrella carefully. But are you also wearing sunglasses...