What Is Zelsuvmi?

Zelsuvmi (berdazimer topical gel, 10.3%) is the first FDA-approved at-home prescription treatment for molluscum contagiosum. It was approved by the FDA in January 2024 and became commercially available in July 2025 through Pelthos Therapeutics.

Before Zelsuvmi, there was no FDA-approved topical treatment that patients could use at home for molluscum. Treatment options were limited to in-office procedures like cryotherapy (freezing) and curettage (scraping), or off-label use of other medications.

What Does Zelsuvmi Treat?

Zelsuvmi is approved for the topical treatment of molluscum contagiosum (MC) in adults and children 1 year of age and older.

What Is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), a type of poxvirus. It causes small, firm, flesh-colored or pink bumps on the skin, often with a dimple in the center.

Key facts about molluscum:

• Very common — affects an estimated 6 million people in the U.S. each year
• Mostly affects children ages 1-10, but adults can get it too
• Highly contagious — spreads through skin-to-skin contact, shared towels, or contaminated surfaces
• Self-limiting but slow — bumps can take 6-18 months to resolve on their own, sometimes longer
• Can spread on the body — scratching or picking can spread lesions to new areas

While molluscum isn't dangerous, it can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, and frustrating — especially for children who may be excluded from activities like swimming.

How Does Zelsuvmi Work?

Zelsuvmi is a nitric oxide-releasing agent. When applied to molluscum bumps, it releases nitric oxide (NO) directly onto the lesions. Nitric oxide has antiviral properties that help fight the virus by:

• Blocking viral proteins the virus needs to function
• Damaging the virus's DNA
• Preventing the virus from replicating and spreading

For a deeper dive into the science, read our guide on how Zelsuvmi works.

How to Use Zelsuvmi: Step-by-Step

Zelsuvmi comes as a kit with two tubes that must be mixed before each use:

• Tube A (blue label): 14g berdazimer gel
• Tube B (yellow label): 17g hydrogel
• Dosing guide for measuring and mixing

Application Steps

1. Wash your hands before starting.
2. Squeeze equal amounts (0.5 mL each) from Tube A and Tube B onto the dosing guide.
3. Mix the gels together on the dosing guide for about 20 seconds until evenly blended.
4. Apply a thin, even layer of the mixed gel to each molluscum bump.
5. Wash your hands after applying (unless your hands are being treated).
6. Let the gel dry for at least 10 minutes before covering with clothing.
7. Wait at least 1 hour before swimming, bathing, or washing the treated area.

Important Reminders

• Apply once daily to each molluscum lesion
• Treatment continues for up to 12 weeks
• Do NOT premix the gels — mix fresh each time you apply
• Do NOT store mixed product
• For topical use only — avoid getting it in the eyes, mouth, or vaginal area
• If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one.

Who Can Use Zelsuvmi?

• Adults with molluscum contagiosum — yes
• Children 1 year and older — yes (a parent or caregiver should help with application)
• Children under 1 year — safety and effectiveness have not been established
• Pregnant or breastfeeding — it's unknown if Zelsuvmi can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

Who Should NOT Use Zelsuvmi?

Do not use Zelsuvmi if you are allergic to berdazimer or any ingredient in the formulation. Tell your doctor about any allergies before starting treatment.

How Well Does Zelsuvmi Work?

In clinical trials, Zelsuvmi demonstrated that it can clear molluscum lesions when used as directed over 12 weeks. Results vary — some patients see significant improvement, while others may need the full 12-week course or additional treatment.

It's important to set realistic expectations:

• You may not see improvement in the first few weeks
• Some lesions may clear before others
• New bumps can still appear during treatment (the virus was already there before treatment started)
• Complete clearance may not happen for everyone

How Much Does Zelsuvmi Cost?

Zelsuvmi's cash price is approximately $1,910 to $2,350 per kit (31g total — Tube A 14g + Tube B 17g). No generic version is currently available.

Ways to Save

• Insurance coverage: A major PBM agreement in December 2025 expanded formulary access to approximately 20 million covered lives. Check with your insurer — coverage is growing.
• ZelsuvmiGO copay program: Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per fill. Call (888) 215-8372 or visit zelsuvmi.com/copay.
• Patient assistance program: For uninsured patients or those without coverage, call (888) 309-0186 for enrollment help.

For a full breakdown, see our guide on how to save money on Zelsuvmi.

Side Effects at a Glance

The most common side effects are skin reactions at the application site:

• Pain/burning/stinging (19%)
• Redness (12%)
• Itching (6%)
• Skin peeling (5%)
• Rash (5%)

Most side effects are mild and temporary. For the full breakdown, including when to call your doctor, read our Zelsuvmi side effects guide.

Zelsuvmi vs. Other Treatments

How does Zelsuvmi compare to other options for molluscum?

For more on alternatives, see our guide to alternatives to Zelsuvmi.

Where to Get Zelsuvmi

Zelsuvmi is available at:

• Retail pharmacies like Walgreens
• Amazon Pharmacy (home delivery)
• ASPN Pharmacy Services (specialty pharmacy)

Not every pharmacy stocks it. Use MedFinder to find pharmacies near you with Zelsuvmi available, or read our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Zelsuvmi in stock.

The Bottom Line

Zelsuvmi is a game-changer for molluscum contagiosum treatment. It's the first medication that lets patients treat molluscum bumps at home with an FDA-approved topical gel. While it's not cheap and not at every pharmacy, savings programs and expanding insurance coverage are making it more accessible in 2026.

Talk to your doctor to find out if Zelsuvmi is right for you or your child.