The best way to prevent molluscum contagiosum is to avoid close contact with an infected person.
If left untreated, molluscum contagiosum can lead to bacterial skin infections. A person who has AIDS tends to develop extensive lesions over the face and neck, as well as the genital area. Molluscum contagiosum is difficult to get rid of in a person with AIDS because his or her immune system is compromised.
The poxvirus that causes molluscum contagiosum is contagious. It is spread by direct skin contact, and is often sexually transmitted.