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At the initial stage, if the lesion resembles scabies or acne, appearing as small blisters or nodules that form a swelling without dissipating, it is a favorable prognosis (Shun). If the swelling does not present with chills and fever, nor nausea, and the patient retains appetite and has warm hands and feet, it is a favorable prognosis. Once the lesion is formed, if the swelling is confined to the sore while surrounding flesh remains unswollen, with a white periphery, more pain than itching, and suppuration occurs, it is a favorable prognosis. After ulceration, if pus is discharged, the sore remains elevated and swollen, the tissue color is bright and fresh, and the root becomes ruddy and gradually flattens, it is a favorable prognosis.

If at the onset the lesion appears neither like a Ding nor distinctively so, being soft, slow-growing, and grayish, with flat, sunken, and diffuse roots extending widely, it is an ominous sign (Xiong). If before the eruption there are chills and fever resembling malaria, nausea, and anorexia, followed by eruptions resembling mosquito bites or flea marks, or blue-purple-black blisters that are soft, sunken, and rootless, with deep rotting cavities, coarse respiration, and cold feet, it is an adverse prognosis (Ni). If the lesion resembles a fish's navel, with a concave, grayish-white apex, mixed softness and slowness, fine pulse, and cold body, it is mostly an adverse prognosis.

If the surrounding flesh swells but the sore itself does not, with the root spreading diffusely, the apex becoming hollow and necrotic, discharging bloody fluid with a foul odor, death ensues. For Ding lesions above the neck, if needling causes no pain; and for those below the neck, if moxibustion causes no pain, death ensues. If the pathogen has already spread, causing swelling of the head, face, ears, and neck, accompanied by restlessness, fine pulse, phlegm accumulation, and rapid panting, death ensues. If after a long duration the original sore trace disappears, yet the area of spread begins to suppurate again, with a rapid pulse and scorched lips, death ultimately follows. Although the disease is perilous, if the annual cosmic influence (Sui Yun) is favorable, survival is possible; although the sore is slightly dangerous, if the annual cosmic influence is unfavorable, the condition is often critical.

For Ding lesions arising above the neck, pricking (needling) must be performed first to expel evil blood, preventing the toxin from attacking the interior. For newly erupted Ding lesions below the neck, moxibustion must be applied first to suppress their momentum, preventing them from invading healthy flesh. If there is fever, aversion to cold, bodily stiffness and urgency, and tight, rapid pulses in all six positions, indicating the pathogen is in the exterior, sweating methods should be used to disperse it. If there is bodily fever, dry mouth and throat, strong and forceful pulses, and constipation of both bowels and bladder, purgative methods should be used.

After needling, if the sore does not necrose and the peripheral swelling does not subside, inserting medicinal wires is necessary, and internal medicine should support the healthy Qi and expel toxins. If moxibustion was mistakenly applied at the onset, causing the toxin to spread uncontrollably (Zou Huang), immediate scarification (Bian) should be performed at the site of spread to release evil blood. If fever, dry retching, mental restlessness, thirst, confusion, and coma occur, detoxification and heart-clearing methods should be employed to support the interior and protect the membranes. After ulceration, when Qi and Blood are damaged, manifesting as timidity, poor appetite, and restless sleep, strengthening the Spleen and Stomach and consolidating the Spirit is required. As recovery approaches and Qi and Blood gradually restore, diet should be advanced; if thirst persists, nourishing Kidney Water urgently is necessary.