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Although disease management relies on medication, it is crucial to observe dietary and lifestyle taboos. First, the living quarters must be kept clean; in winter, warm curtains are necessary, and in summer, cool mosquito nets are appropriate, to prevent invasion by insects such as flies and centipedes. One must avoid contact with nuns, monks, mourners wearing mourning clothes, menstruating women, and strangers from afar when the sore is initially treated or incised. Foods with strong odors from cattle and dogs, as well as pickled and smoked meats, can induce thirst and dryness. Raw fruits, pears, persimmons, water caltrops, and dates can damage the Spleen and Stomach. Poultry (chicken, goose), mutton, pigeon, shellfish, pufferfish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood can stir up wind and trigger itching. Greasy, fried, roasted, salty, and sour foods can generate heat and phlegm. Red beans and buckwheat noodles may disrupt Qi flow and exacerbate the condition. Anger and irritability often lead to chest and abdominal fullness. Overeating inevitably harms the Spleen. Resuming physical labor too soon after recovery leads to emaciation (Lei syndrome). Engaging in sexual activity too early shortens lifespan. Failure to avoid wind and cold can cause the recurrence of toxic pathogens. Indulging in rich flavors will result in severe itching of the sores. Major sores require a half-year taboo period, while minor sores require a hundred days; this is indeed the practice of a wise gentleman who understands how to preserve life.

If at the initial stage the sore has a high apex, an active base, red color, accompanied by fever, swelling, and pain, which gradually increases, it is a favorable prognosis (Shun). If the abscess has formed, with pain, thin and shiny skin, normal appetite, regular urination and defecation, and warm body temperature, it is a favorable prognosis. If the sore has ulcerated, with thick pus, bright color without foul odor, spontaneous shedding of necrotic tissue, easy resolution of swelling, and lightness of the body, it is a favorable prognosis. After ulceration, if the pus is thick and yellow, new flesh grows easily, the wound closes readily, and appetite gradually improves, it is a favorable prognosis. Conversely, if at the initial stage the apex is flat, the base is diffuse, the color is dark and slightly swollen, there is no heat or pain, and the body feels fatigued, it is an unfavorable prognosis (Ni). If the sore is already formed but hard and swollen, purple in color, failing to suppurate or ulcerate, accompanied only by dry mouth and irritability, it is an unfavorable prognosis. If after ulceration the skin is rotten, the interior remains hard without necrosis, swelling persists, pain does not diminish, and there is mental restlessness, it is an unfavorable prognosis. If after ulceration the discharge is clear and thin, although necrotic tissue sheds, new flesh fails to grow, and the color is dull with a foul odor, it indicates a fatal outcome (Si).

Whether the initial sensation is painful or painless, whether it rises or not, regardless of Yin/Yang or Exterior/Interior patterns, and irrespective of the duration, if no pus is visible, moxibustion is indicated. If after moxibustion there is still no sensation of pain or itch, direct moxibustion should be applied. If there is local swelling and heat, periodic pain, a floating and rapid pulse, but no constipation, herbal therapy to support the expulsion of toxins is indicated. If the body is stiff and rigid, the pulse is tight, there is aversion to cold, and the patient desires hot drinks and warmth, the pathogen is in the Exterior, and diaphoresis (sweating method) is indicated. If the swelling is hard and deeply painful, accompanied by dry mouth, constipation, fever, and a forceful pulse, the pathogen is in the Interior, and purgation (draining method) is indicated. If the pain is severe, with irritability, desire for cold drinks, dry tongue, and dry mouth, the fire toxin is in the Upper Jiao, and clearing heat is indicated. If there is severe swelling and hardness, a feeling of heaviness in the back as if carrying a stone, nausea, and dry retching, indicating internal toxic pathogens, detoxification and drawing out toxins is indicated. If the swelling and pain deepen daily, internal pus fails to emerge, and necrotic tissue blocks the wound opening, urgent surgical incision and drainage are required. If the sore is soft and slow to form pus, and fails to ulcerate, it is due to deficiency of Yang Qi; strengthening the Spleen and Stomach and assisting Yang Qi is indicated. If the body is cool with spontaneous sweating, hands and feet are cold, the six pulses are deficient and fine, and there is diarrhea, it indicates collapse of Yang Qi; urgent warming and rescuing of Yang is indicated.