Background: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a benign contagious viral infection of the skin that primarily affects children. Spontaneous resolution may occur, but often it takes a prolonged period of months to years and the infection can take up to 4 years to resolve. Zinc has an important effect on the immune system and it has been used as an immunomodulator to treat a variety of skin disorders. Objectives: To assess whether oral zinc is effective in treating patients with MC. Methods: A total of 59 patients with MC were enrolled. The patients were treated with oral zinc sulfate (10mg/kg) for up to 6 months. Serum zinc and copper level, renal and liver function tests were measured at the beginning (baseline) and completion of the trial. Results: Complete clearance of MC was observed in 47.5% (28/59) of the patients and partial clearance, defined as clearance of 50∼99%, in 25.4% (15/59). The mean duration to reach complete clearance was 15.9 weeks. Patients with atopic disease showed higher complete clearance compared to non-atopic disease (56% vs 43%). The response to treatment was not related to the increment in serum zinc level. No serious side-effects were reported apart from nausea (1%), mild abdominal pain (1%) and constipation (3%).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that oral zinc sulfate is worth considering as a therapeutic option for the treatment of MC, particularly for generalized lesions and uncooperative patients. Oral zinc sulfate is effective and safe option.