Medical Treatment
During ancient times and even today, Ayurvedic practitioners have been using oily extracts of the seeds or the seeds of Psoralia coryfolla (Bavchee). These herbal products contain photosensitizing furocoumarin chemicals, which are capable of producing pigmentation.

Psoralen compounds
Currently this is a standard medical therapy. Neopsoralines and Melanocyl are two of the popularly used brand names. These psoralens are the most effective of the furocoumarin compounds. A typical treatment is to use Psoralen lotion or to take Psoralen tablets followed by exposure to artificial ultra violet light or natural sunlight. The treatment should be taken strictly under medical supervision. Treatment should be avoided in patients less than 12 years of age and during pregnancy.

Commonly occurring side effects are nausea, abdominal discomforts, redness, blistering of the skin and generalized tanning. Long-term treatment may cause cataract development and premature aging of the skin.

Cortico steroids
Another commonly used medicine is cortico-steroids. When used locally for the period of 2 to 4 months it may yield results but there may be side effects like pimples, skin atrophy, localized hair growth etc. A local injection of cortico- steroids does not give better results, and is not recommended considering the response and its side effect.

Placentrex and Melagenina
Placentrex and Melagenina are two popular preparations containing placental extracts. These are used locally in the treatment of vitiligo / leucoderma. The mechanism of action of this medicine is not known. There is no report of any match-controlled study. The results from different centers have produced variable results. It is free of any adverse effect but caution is needed that the preparation is tested for HIV and Hepatitis B virus.