More than one treatment may be necessary due to the development of new lesions. Prognosis Individual lesions may last two to four months. Most cases resolve spontaneously in six to nine months without scaring, but some may persist. Prevention Transmission of molluscum contagiosum can be greatly reduced by avoiding direct skin contact with infected partners until lesions have cleared. For those individuals who choose to be sexually active, using condoms during every sexual encounter will decrease risk of infection.
Condoms provide protection from the infected area.
Spermicides may also provide some protection against this infection. Taking precautions cannot eliminate risks, but can certainly decrease them. It is reasonable to conclude that the virus spreads by direct skin to skin contact but the exact mechanism is unknown. Some examples of non-sexual contact include transmission through swimming pools and between wrestlers. Genital lesions in adults are thought to be sexually transmitted.