In all cases of exanthema (rash), patients often refrain from eating for five to six days. This occurs because the Stomach is invaded by pathogenic factors, yet also sustained by them; thus, lack of appetite is not a major concern. One must not deliberately treat the anorexia but should focus solely on treating the exanthema. Once the rash eruptions are fully manifested and the toxic heat gradually dissipates, appetite will naturally return. It is particularly important to avoid giving wheat-based foods (mian shi). Even when providing rice gruel or liquids, only small amounts should be given at a time. Only after the patient's spirit becomes clear and the body is completely free of fever should food intake be gradually increased, adhering to the principle of small, frequent meals.

For those who have consumed excessive amounts of wheat-based foods prior to the onset of exanthema, or who consume such foods during the eruption, or whose Stomach Qi begins to recover prematurely leading to early consumption of these foods, the resulting stimulation of Stomach Fire may cause symptoms such as absence of clear nasal discharge, body heat, staring at hands, biting fingers, picking the nose, peeling lip skin, and pulling out eyelashes. These are all conditions of relapse due to improper diet following exanthema. They should be treated with formulas that clear the Lungs, resolve toxicity, and promote digestion.

Regardless of age, patients suffering from exanthema invariably prefer drinking cool water (flower dew can be used as a substitute) from the onset until recovery. This preference need not be prohibited, but it should be taken in small, frequent sips rather than large quantities at once, allowing the toxic heat to gradually dissipate.

Thirst and desire for water in exanthema patients 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 stage of fever and thirst, Shengma Gengen Tang (Cimicifugae et Puerariae Decoction) added with Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix) and Maimendong (Ophiopogonis Radix) should be used. For severe thirst, Renshen Baizhu Tang (Ginseng and White Tiger Decoction) combined with Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Detoxification Decoction) is indicated.

If exanthema patients present with fever, spontaneous sweating, or epistaxis (nosebleed), these symptoms need not be forcibly stopped, as they represent the dispersal of pathogens. Sweating indicates the dispersion of toxins through sweat, while epistaxis indicates the resolution of toxins through bleeding. However, one must ensure these processes do not become excessive. If sweating is profuse, Renshen Baizhu Tang or combined Huanglian Jiedu Tang should be administered. If epistaxis is profuse, Yuanshen Dihuang Tang (Scrophulariae et Rehmanniae Decoction) is indicated.

If exanthema presents with initial fever accompanied by restlessness, delirium, and manic behavior, Shengma Gengen Tang (Cimicifugae et Puerariae Decoction) mixed with Chen Sha Yiyuan San (Cinnabar and Yiyuan Powder) should be used.

After the exanthema has subsided, if residual heat remains causing day-and-night restlessness and delirious speech, Chen Sha Yiyuan San (Cinnabar and Yiyuan Powder) should be taken with Dengxin Cao Tang (Juncus Decoction). Alternatively, Siling San (Four-Ingredient Powder) added with Dengxin Cao (Junci Medulla), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), mixed with water and administered with 5 fen of Fei Chen Sha (Washed Cinnabar), is indicated.

Sore throat associated with variola or exanthema is a common manifestation, caused by the upward薰 (fuming/burning) of Fire-toxicity. It must not be conflated with Hou Bi (throat obstruction/angina), nor should blind needle pricking be employed, as this condition is not an abscess or swelling of the throat where no evil blood needs to be removed. For sore throat and dryness associated with variola/exanthema, Ganjie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction) added with Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus), or Shegan Niu Bang Zi Tang (Belamcandae and Arctii Fructus Decoction), should be swallowed slowly. Additionally, Yuyaochi (Jade Key Powder) can be insufflated into the throat. (Note: If sore throat and swelling are caused by Lanhou Sha [scarlet fever-like toxin] closing externally and sinking internally, the use of cooling and astringent agents like Bingpian (Borneol) and Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis) is strictly contraindicated.)