In about half of the cases, a large, reddish rash about two inches in diameter appears and expands around or near the site of the bite. Sometimes multiple rash sites appear. If left untreated, within a few weeks to months, complications such as meningitis, facial palsy, or heart abnormalities may occur. Later symptoms may develop in people who did not have early symptoms or did not recognize them. Swelling and pain in the large joints may recur over many years.
Current therapy includes the use of antibiotics.
Prognosis is improved with prompt diagnosis and appropriate, early treatment. It is possible to get reinfected after being treated for Lyme disease, so proper precautions should continue to be taken to protect yourself when they go outdoors. Check yourself after every two to three hours of outdoor activity for ticks attached to clothing or skin. Special precautions to prevent exposure to ticks should be taken such as wearing light-colored clothing and tucking pants into socks and shirts into pants. Repellents containing DEET applied to skin or clothing may prevent tick attachment.