Rx: Coconuts! (The Perfect Health Nut) is your easy-to-understand health handbook and prescription guide on how to benefit from the Rx: Coconuts Lifestyle

With medically-sound research written for the average reader, this health handbook takes you on an enlightening journey through the facts and falsehoods of fats in foods, our cells and skin. The coconut proves to be the Perfect Health Nut---for heart fitness, weight loss, carb-and-calorie control, even cancer protection, disinfection, and skin care!

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Skin in the Tropics
(Sunscreens and Hyperpigmentations)
Gintong Alay Award for Comprehensive Coverage, 2002

As the cultural and ethnic makeup of the United States continues to diversify, dermatologists are seeing greater numbers of "nonwhite" patients. Understanding physiologic differences and therapeutic responses between skin types is indispensable, particularly to physicians practicing in metropolitan areas with a large immigrant population.

Skin in the Tropics: Sunscreens and Hyperpigmentations, a first-edition text by Dr Verallo-Rowell, is divided into 2 parts. The first part is divided into 6 sections in a question-and-answer format addressing ecology and photobiology in the tropics, pigmented skin physiology and pathology, and sunscreens. It contains useful information, such as ozone depletion and climate changes, not found in most other dermatology textbooks. The question-and-answer format is a particularly useful guide for patient-directed discussions. The tables and figures are well designed and easy to comprehend.

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Other Books

  • CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR: Compendium of Philippine Medicine Section on: Guidelines in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Eczema
  • EDITOR AND CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR: PDS Guidelines of Care 2002
  • CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR CHAPTER ON PHOTOPROTECTION: Cosmetic Surgery in Darker Racial Ethnic Groups. Ed. Pearl Grimes. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins, USA, 2006
  • CO-AUTHOR WITH JON KABARA, MSc., PhD. On Monolaurin, 2007
  • CO-AUTHOR WITH EMELDA PERALTA, B.S. Nutrition and Dietetics, Nutrition in Dermatology for the Urban Setting 2007

A. Published Articles

  1. Verallo VM, Haserick J. Mucha-Haberman’s disease stimulating lymphoma cutis. Arch Dermatol 1966; 94: 259-99
  2. Verallo VM, Analysis of hair in hair loss. Cutis 1967; 3: 589 (FIRST Prize, 3rd Annual Cutis Manuscript contest)
  3. Verallo VM, Acquired digital fibrokeratomas. Br J Dermatol 1968; 80: 730-36
  4. Verallo VM, Fand SB. DNA measurements in lymphomatoid papulosis; evidence for this new entity. J Invest Dermatol 1969; 53: 51-57
  5. Verallo VM, Topical post steroidal dermatitis. Phil J Dermatol Surg 1979; 1(1): 20-24
  6. Jamora EM, Jamora SJ, Jacinto PJ, Verallo VM. Sarcoidosis among Filipinos. Phil J Dermatol & Dermatol Surg 1979 1(1): 4-15
  7. Jamora SJ, Verallo VM, Ordinario LS. Incidence of skin diseases in private office practice in the Philippines. Phil Dermatol Surg 1979; (1): 25-29
  8. Verallo VM, Treatment of ulcers. Phil J Dermatol & Dermatol Surg 1979; 1(2): 84-86
  9. Verallo VM, Cyproterone acetate: a new anti-androgen. Phil J Dermatol & Dermatol Surg 1980; 1(2): 50-58
  10. Verallo-Rowell VM. Clinico-pathologic correlations. Phil J Dermatol and Dermatol Surg 1980; 1(2): 86-86
  11. Verallo-Rowell VM, Verallo V, et al. Double blind comparison of azelaic acid and hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma. Acta Dermatol Venereol (Stockholm) Suppl 1989; 14:58-61
  12. Romero R, Verallo-Rowell VM. Review and commentary of biopsy proven hansen’s disease: a 12-year retrospective study. Phil J Dermatol Surg 1991; 2: 10-12
  13. Verallo-Rowell VM. Adverse cutaneous reaction to drugs. Phil J Dermatol and Dermatol Surg 1991; 2: 24-26
  14. Verallo-Rowell VM. Dermatologic uses of new and old non-dermatologic drugs. Phil J Dermatol and Dermatol Surg 1991; 2: 27-28
  15. Pineda B, Verallo-Rowell VM. The European standard and the SSLI patch test trays: a preliminary paired comparison study. Phil J Dermatol and Dermatol Surg 1991; 2: 73-77
  16. Paz-Lao P, Verallo-Rowell VM. Occlusive dressing vs. antacid: a choice of therapy for better healing in decubitus ulcers. Makati Medical Center Proceedings 1992; 4: 21-28
  17. Verallo-Rowell VM. Preliminary report: 8-methoxypsoralen bath PUVA for severe psoriasis: the Philippine experience. Phil J Dermatol Surg 1992; 1: 4 ñ 11
  18. Verallo-Rowell VM. VH number: a proposed dermatologic method for validating hypoallergenicity. Phil J Dermatol Surg 1992; 3: 21-22
  19. Tupasi NE, Verallo-Rowell VM, Romero R, Tuazon C. Disseminated histoplasmosis with unusual cutaneous lesions in patient from the Philippines. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1992l 46: 141-45
  20. Jamora SJ, Verallo-Rowell VM. Liposuction in the Philippines. Phil J Dermatol and Dermatol Surg 1995; 27-34
  21. Verallo-Rowell VM, Jacinto S. Hair transplantation in the Philippines. Phil J Dermatol and Dermatol Surg 1995; 27-34
  22. Sivayathron A, Verallo-Rowell VM. 20% azelaic acid in the topical treatment of melsma: a double-blind comparison with 2% hydroquinone. Eur J of Dermatol 1995; 5: 680-4
  23. Verallo-Rowell VM. The role of sunscreens in the therapy of melasma from a seminar in print: prospectives in hyperpigmentary disorders: a role of azelaic acid, Clin Drug Invest 1995; 10 (Suppl 2): 46-56 Issn: 1173-2563
  24. Abraham ERL, Verallo-Rowell VM, Baello BQ. Testing of lauricidin vs. isopropyl alcohol for antisepsis of cutaneous hand microbes to prevent infection. Phil J Microbial and Infection Diseases 2000 July – Sept.; 3: 128-135
  25. Safety and Efficacy of Monolaurin, a Coconut Oil Extract vs. Ethyl Alcohol Rinse-Free Hand Antiseptic Gels on MMC Personnel’s Hands and Microbial Isolates Abraham ERL and Verallo-Rowell VM
    FIRST Prize MMC 17th Resident’s Research Contest
    October 19, 2000
  26. Jamora J, Verallo-Rowell VM, Samson-Veneracion MT. Patch testing with 20% dermatophagoides pteronyssimus/farinae (chemotechnique) antigen. Am J of Contact Dermatitis 2001; 12(2): 67-71
  27. Verallo-Rowell VM. Guidelines in the diagnosis and treatment of eczema. Compendium of Philippine Medicine, Treatment Guidelines from Philippine Medical Societies, Third Edition 2001.
  28. Psoriasis: Skin Forum, Havas Medi Medica, Hong Kong, 2002
  29. Abello MV, Verallo-Rowell VM. Randomized double-blind clinical trial to compare melanin reduction in melasma by melfade 3% vs. hydroquinone 4% both with glycolic acid 10% and a broad spectrum sunscreen. Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2002; vol 11 no. 2: 38-42

    SECOND Prize MMC Annual Resident’s Paper Contest

    SECOND Prize PDS Annual Resident’s Paper Contest

    Included in the book: SKIN IN THE TROPICS: Sunscreens and Hyperpigmentations, Anvil Publishing, Inc., 2001
  30. Photopatch testing in melasma. Accepted for publication, British Journal of Dermatology, Nov. 2002
  31. Erosive cutaneous t-cell lymphoma with follicular pattern. Submitted for publication, JAAD, March 2003

B. Abstracts of Paper Presentations in International Conference Proceedings

  1. Verallo VM, Nugui E. HLA antigens in lymphomatoid papulosis. Presented: Dermatopathology Focus Session on Lymphomatoid Papulosis. Amer Acad Dermatol Annual Meeting, New York City, 1980
  2. Verallo-Rowell VM, Famador B. Analysis of data on the clinical investigation of Diane as an anti-acne preparation. Presented: Acne Symposium, Bangkok, Thailand, 1980
  3. Verallo VM. Pharmacological compounding in the Philippines and their application in acne. Presented: Acne Symposium, Bangkok, Thailand, 1980
  4. Verallo VM. Differential diagnosis of tuberculoid granulomas. Presented: 5th Regional Conference of Dermatology, Asian-Australasian, Manila, Philippines, 1982
  5. Gan-Chao M, Verallo-Rowell VM. Clinical experience with retinoic acid tablets (RO 10-9359) in the treatment of psoriasis. Presented: 5th Regional Conference of Dermatolology SE Asian-Australasian, Manila, Philippines, 1982.
  6. Romero R, Verallo-Rowell VM. Review of biopsy proven hansen’s disease, tuberculoid type, 1970-1971, in a private dermatology practice. Presented: 5th Regional Conference in Dermatology, Asian-Australasian, Manila, Philippines, 1982
  7. Sison LF, Verallo-Rowell VM. Miliariaform reactions: clinico-pathologic and possible etiologic correlations of 26 cases. Presented: 5th Regional Conference of Dermatology Asian-Australasian, Manila, Philippines, 1982
  8. Verallo-Rowell VM, Lopez MG, Villafuerte LL, et al. Double-blind comparison of azelaic acid and hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma. Presented: World Congress in Dermatology, Berlin, 1987
  9. Pineda B, Verallo-Rowell VM. Preliminary report: 8-methoxypsoralen bath phototherapy for severe psoriasis: the Philippine experience. Presented: 8th Regional Conference in Dermatology Asian-Australasian, Bali, Indonesia, 1988
  10. Verallo-Rowell VM. Cosmetics and dermatology in the nineties. Presented: 9th Regional Conference of Dermatology Asian-Australasian, Kuala Lumpur, 1990
  11. Verallo-Rowell VM. Experience with azelaic acid in the treatment of hyperpigmentary disorders. Presented: The Asian Dermatological Congress, Hong Kong, 1992
  12. delos Reyes G, Verallo-Rowell VM. Azelaic acid in the treatment of hyperpigmentary disorders in Southeast Asia. Presented: 10th Regional Conference of Dermatology Asian-Australasian, Manila, Philippines, 1992
  13. Meneses M, Verallo-Rowell VM. Brown skin color: typing and environmental dermatoses. Presented: 10th Regional Conference of Dermatology Asian-Australasian, Manila, Philippines, 1992
  14. Garcia E, Verallo-Rowell VM. Immediate Pigment Darkening Protection Factor (IPDPF) of broad spectrum sunscreens in outdoor field studies, Philippine tropical sun. Presented: 10th Regional Conference of Dermatology, Manila, Philippines, 1992
  15. Verallo-Rowell VM. Therapeutic pearls in the use of azelaic acid. Presented: International Tropical Dermatology Meetings, Bangkok, Thailand
  16. Verallo-Rowell VM, Jacinto-Jamora S, Uy MS, Morada G. Selected dermatological surgery cosmetic procedures: autologous hair transplant and tissue implants. Presented: 1st International Conference on Cosmetic Surgery, Manila, Philippines, 1994
  17. Verallo-Rowell VM. The emerging cosmetics industry in Asia: its profile in relation to dermatology. Presented: 12th Regional Conference in Dermatology Asian-Australasian
  18. Verallo-Rowell VM. The use of sunscreens in melasma. Presented: 12th Regional Conference in Dermatology Asian-Australasian, Pattaya, Thailand, 1996
  19. Verallo-Rowell VM. ASEAN cosmetics: a comprehensive review of governmental lists and a proposal for harmonization. Presented: 3rd ASEAN Cosmetics Association Meeting, Manila, June 1997
  20. Ong CD, Barril FA, Laureta R, Verallo-Rowell VM. Individualized bath PUVA of recalcitrant psoriasis: a 10-year retrospective study on safety and efficacy at a day care center in the Philippines. Presented: 5th Asian Dermatological Association Meeting Beijing, China, October 5, 1998
  21. Verallo-Rowell VM, Dimayuga JG. Acquired axillary hyperpigmentation. Presented: Contact Dermatitis Symposium, Bangkok, Thailand, 1999
  22. Verallo-Rowell VM. Philippine Society for Cosmetics Chemists (Member International Federation of Societies of Cosmetics Chemists and Asian Society of Cosmetics Chemists, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, November 15-17, 1999, Safety and Efficacy of Cosmetics: In Vivo and Vitro Testing
  23. Dumol M, Verallo-Rowell VM. Epidemiology of psoriasis in South East Asia. Presented: 14th Regional Conference of Dermatology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 26-30, 2000
  24. Chong C, Verallo-Rowell VM. Office phototherapy using bath PUVA. Presented: 14th Regional Conference of Dermatology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 26-30, 2000
  25. Bautista D, Verallo-Rowell VM. A case control study of photocontact allergy using visible light among melasma and non-melasma patients with skin phototypes III to IV. Presented: The American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) meeting, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, November 18, 2000
  26. The Skin in the Tropics at the 2001 US Embassy Asia Regional Primary Care meeting, January 16-19, 2001, Manila, Philippines
  27. Indoor UVA, visible and infrared light: proposed photogenesis and photoprotection in melasma. Presented: The 6th Asian Dermatological Congress, Plenary Hall Cosmetic Dermatology Session, Bangkok, Thailand, Nov. 11-13, 2001.
  28. Interactives: Pigmentary Disorders (Part II). Presented: World Congress in Dermatology, Paris, Francer, July 1-5 2002, Co-Chairman with Drs. Kameyama, Hiroko (Japan) and Petit, Antoine (France), July 5, 2002
  29. Photopatch testing in melasma. Presented: International Pigment Cell Research Conference, Amsterdam, Sept. 13, 2002
  30. Photopatch testing in melasma. Presented: Contact Dermatitis at the 15th Regional Conference of Dermatology, Manila, November 12, 2002
  31. Quality of life in psoriasis. Presented: Focus Session on Psoriasis by the Asian Regional Psoriasis Group, 15th Regional Conference of Dermatology, Manila, Philippines, Nov. 12, 2002
  32. Chairman of the Psoriasis Forum on Psoriasis. Presented: 15th Regional Conference of Dermatology, Manila, Philippines, Nov. 13, 2003

C. International Poster Presentation

  1. Verallo-Rowell VM, Jamora S. Hair transplantation in the Philippines. Presented: Regional Conference in Dermatology, Asian-Australasian, Bangkok, Thailand, 1978
  2. Verallo-Rowell VM, Pineda B. Bath PUVA and re-bath PUVA experience in the Philippines. Presented: Regional Conference in Dermatology, Asian-Australasian, Bali, Indonesia, 1988
  3. Verallo-Rowell VM, Fernan E. New trends in ulcer therapy. Presented: Philippine Dermatological Society Annual Post-graduate Meeting, 1988
  4. Verallo-Rowell VM, Pineda B, Sahila J. Sun protection factor (SPF) validation and substantivity testing of sunscreens. A pilot study of field use. Presented: Regional Conference in Dermatology Australasian, Kuala Lumpur, FIRST PRIZE – Poster Presentation, 1990
  5. Verallo-Rowell VM, Suntay I, Fonacier L. Miliariaform drug eruption: a proposed new form of an old, and not just tropical disease. A pathogenic presentation of 40 cases. Presented: Annual American Society of Dermatology Meeting, Poster Presentation, San Francisco, 1992
  6. Verallo-Rowell VM. Recognizing acquired axillary hyperpigmentation in brown skin phototypes: a study of 21 cases. International Contact Dermatitis Course, Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 21-24, 1999
  7. Verallo-Rowell, VM, Agero, ALC. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra-virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Annual Contact Dermatitis Society Meeting, February 10, 2004, Washington D.C.
  8. Catherine L. Chong M.D. and Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, M.D. Skin and Cancer Foundation, Inc., Manila, Philippines: THE PHOTOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF ISOFLAVONE ON MULTIHERITAGE FILIPINO BROWN SKIN EXPOSED TO SOLAR-SIMULATED ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT THROUGH MEXAMETER MEASURED ERYTHEMA, PERSISTENT PIGMENT DARKENING AND BY SUNBURN CELL COUNT. Poster Presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Presentation Feb., 18-22, 2005, New Orleans, LA, USA.
  9. Dr. Carpo’s paper – Poster Presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology and Presentation, March 3 – 7, 2006, San Francisco, California

Unpublished Articles

  1. Verallo-Rowell VM, et al. Continuing outdoor field studies for MED and SPF determination; SPF substantivity testing of sunscreens SPF 15 since 1986, SPF 30 since 1990, SPF 60 since 1998
  2. Continuing patch testing and photopatch testing of cosmetic ingredients and products, since 1977
  3. Continuing collation of patch test results using the SSLI patch test series since 1989
  4. Continuing validation and substantivity testing for the sun protection factor (SPF) and immediate pigment darkening protection factor (IPDPF) in the clinical laboratory and in outdoor field studies in mid-summer, Makati, Philippines, since 1986
  5. Garcia E, Verallo-Rowell VM. A protection factor (APF) of broad-spectrum sunscreens, 1992
  6. Verallo-Rowell VM. Patch testing: relevance and interpretation. Presented: Focus Sessions on Contact Dermatitis, Makati, Philippines, April 1991
  7. Pineda B, Verallo-Rowell VM. Paired comparison studies of the Skin Sciences Laboratory, Inc. (SSLI) vs. European patch test series. Presented: Focus Session on Contact Dermatitis, Makati, Philippines, April 1991
  8. Nuñez JP, Verallo-Rowell VM. Understanding solar radiation with the use of photometers, 1992
  9. Meneses M, Verallo-Rowell VM. Skin phototyping of Asian brown skin, 1992
  10. Yu JN, Ong CD, Verallo-Rowell VM. Treatment of ephilides using the frequency doubled q-switched ND-Yag laser on Fitzpatrick types IV and V skin, 1997
  11. Prieto-Go DD, Verallo-Rowell VM. 2% Kojic Acid as topical cream to lighten skin color darkening, a placebo controlled trial, 1996
  12. Hautea SO, Verallo-Rowell VM. Quantitative analysis and efficacy of 4% hydroquinone sunblock vs 2% kojic acid sunblock in the treatment of melasma using the mexameter MX-16, 1997
  13. Uy CW, Verallo-Rowell VM. A comparative study of the efficacy of four skin lightening creams in Asian brown skin types III to V, 1997
  14. Filoteo LD, Malvar-Villaflor B, Verallo-Rowell VM. A randomized double-blind study of two new lightening creams in Asian brown skin types III to V, 1998
  15. Borja M, Floreza A, Verallo-Rowell VM. A comparative analysis in the efficacy of iontophoresis with fresh vitamin C vs. VC-PMG cream (magnesium l-ascorbyl phosphate), 1998
  16. Dimayuga JG, Verallo-Rowell VM. Acquired axillary hyperpigmentation, 1998
  17. Ruste AL, Lopez TM, Verallo-Rowell VM. A comparison of the efficacy of salicylic acid 2% vs retinoic acid 0.05% in Filipino aging skin. A study using 5 non-invasive parameters and skin biopsy, 1999. FIRST Prize PDS Research Forum, Nov. 5, 1999
  18. Abraham ER, Verallo-Rowell VM. Testing of lauricidin vs 70% isopropyl alcohol for antisepsis of cutaneous hand microbes to prevent infection, 1999. Presented: PDS Research Forum, Nov. 5, 1999. For submission to the Journal of Infectious Disease c/o Dr. Thelma Tupasi
  19. Poblete-Lopez CM, Oropeza N, Verallo-Rowell VM. Melasma, a pathogenetic and therapeutic study, 1999
  20. Verallo-Rowell VM. Pitfalls in making a diagnosis of contact dermatitis without patch testing. Presented: Philippine Dermatological Society 24th Annual Convention, Manila, Philippines, Nov 6-7, 1999
  21. Oropeza N, Verallo-Rowell VM. A case control study of photocontact allergy using artificial UVA among melasma and non-melasma patients with skin phototypes III to IV
  22. Resurreccion B, Verallo-Rowell VM. A case control study of photocontact allergy using artificial infrared light among melasma and non-melasma patients with skin phototypes III to IV

Rx: Coconuts! (The Perfect Health Nut)

“Expounds on the clinical usefulness of our discovery on monoglycerides… A must read for anyone concerned with their health and the way they look… I wish I could write half as well.” — Jon Kabara, B.S., M.S., Chicago, IL

“An enlightening read on coconut oil’s efficacy for various skin problems, infections and precancerous lesions… Ideal for the dermatologist and the average person interested in skin care, weight control and all aspects of their health” — Conrado S. Dayrit, M.D., FACC, Fellow, American College of Cardiologists, FPCP, FPCC

“..once I started, I could not put it down!!!” — Adolf Oriña, Retired U.S. MD, Baguio, Philippines

more testimonials


Dermatological Effects of Topical and Oral VCO and its Monoglyceride Derivative by Vermén M. Verallo-Rowell, MD, FABD, FABDP, FPDS read more

Crazy For Coconut Oil by Lori Corbin, ABC7 read more

Coconut Oil is Cholesterol Free by Ernesto M. Ordoñez, Philippine Daily Inquirer read more

White Oil that Heals Published on page A12 of the September 17, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer read more

Copyright 2009. Dra. Vermén M. Verallo-Rowell. All rights reserved.