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In cases of exanthema (rash), patients often refuse food for five to six days. This is because the Stomach is invaded by pathogenic factors, yet also sustained by them during the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogens; therefore, temporary anorexia is not detrimental. One must not deliberately treat the lack of appetite, but rather focus on treating the rash itself. Once the exanthema has fully erupted and the toxic heat gradually dissipates, the desire for food will naturally return. It is especially important to avoid giving wheat-based foods (noodles). Even if rice gruel is used, it should be given in small amounts each time. Only when the patient's breath becomes clear, spirit refreshed, and body completely free of fever should the diet be gradually increased, adhering to the principle of small quantities given frequently.

For those who have consumed excessive wheat-based foods prior to the eruption of exanthema, or who ate such foods while the rash was just emerging, the early resumption of these foods due to a slight opening of Stomach Qi can stir up Stomach Fire. This may result in the absence of clear nasal discharge, bodily heat, staring at hands, biting fingers, picking the nose, peeling lip skin, and pulling out eyelashes. These are all conditions of dietary relapse following exanthema. Treatment should involve clearing the Lungs and resolving toxicity, combined with herbs that promote digestion and remove stagnation.

Patients suffering from exanthema, regardless of age, invariably prefer drinking cool water from the onset until resolution. This preference need not be prohibited, but intake should be moderate rather than excessive, and frequent small sips rather than large boluses, allowing the toxic heat to dissipate gradually.

Thirst and a desire to drink water in children with exanthema are entirely due to Fire Pathogens, causing dryness and scorching of the Lungs, dryness of the Stomach, and hyperactivity of Heart Fire. In the initial febrile stage accompanied by thirst, Shengma Gegen Tang (Cimicifugae et Puerariae Decoction) added with Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix) and Maimendong (Ophiopogonis Radix) is indicated. If thirst is severe, Renshen Baihu Tang (Ginseng White Tiger Decoction) combined with Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Detoxification Decoction) should be administered as the primary formula.

If a child with exanthema experiences fever, spontaneous sweating, or epistaxis (nosebleed), these symptoms need not be forcibly stopped, as they represent the dispersal of pathogens. Sweating allows toxins to disperse through the pores; epistaxis allows toxins to resolve through bleeding. However, this process must not be excessive. If sweating is profuse, Renshen Baihu Tang (Ginseng White Tiger Decoction) or its combination with Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Detoxification Decoction) is appropriate. If epistaxis is profuse, Xuanshen Dihuang Tang (Scrophulariae et Rehmanniae Decoction) is indicated.

When exanthema is in the initial febrile stage and presents with restlessness, delirium, mania, and confusion, Shengma Gegen Tang (Cimicifugae et Puerariae Decoction) mixed with Chen Sha Yiyuan San (Cinnabar Yi Yuan Powder) is the primary treatment.

I. After the exanthema has subsided, if residual heat remains causing day-and-night irritability, delirious speech, and manic confusion, Chen Sha Yiyuan San (Cinnabar Yi Yuan Powder) should be taken with Dengxin Cao Tang (Juncus Decoction). Alternatively, Siling San (Four-Poria Powder) added with Dengcao (Junci Medulla), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), mixed with 5 fen (approx. 1.5-2g) of Shui Fei Zhusha (Water-triturated Cinnabar), is indicated.