ICD-10 Code for Erythema

The default ICD-10-CM 2027 code for erythema, erythematous (infectional) (inflammation) is L53.9 – Erythematous condition, unspecified. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (31 codes, 30 billable).

Main code: L53.9 – Erythematous condition, unspecified
Billable: Yes

Index entries for Erythema

ab igne – L59.0
annulare (centrifugum) (rheumaticum) – L53.1
arthriticum epidemicum – A25.1
brucellum – see Brucellosis
chronic figurate NEC – L53.3
chronicum migrans (Borrelia burgdorferi) – A69.20
diaper – L22
due to
- chemical NEC – L53.0
  - in contact with skin – L24.5
- drug (internal use) – see Dermatitis, due to, drugs
elevatum diutinum – L95.1
endemic – E52
epidemic, arthritic – A25.1
figuratum perstans – L53.3
gluteal – L22
heat - code by site under Burn, first degree
ichthyosiforme congenitum bullous – Q80.3
in diseases classified elsewhere – L54
induratum (nontuberculous) – L52
- tuberculous – A18.4
infectiosum – B08.3
intertrigo – L30.4
iris – L51.9
marginatum – L53.2
- in (due to) – I00
medicamentosum – see Dermatitis, due to, drugs
migrans – A26.0
- chronicum – A69.20
- tongue – K14.1
multiforme (major) (minor) – L51.9
- bullous, bullosum – L51.1
- conjunctiva – L51.1
- nonbullous – L51.0
- pemphigoides – L12.0
- specified NEC – L51.8
napkin – L22
neonatorum – P83.88
- toxic – P83.1
nodosum – L52
- tuberculous – A18.4
palmar – L53.8
pernio – T69.1 (header)
rash, newborn – P83.88
scarlatiniform (recurrent) (exfoliative) – L53.8
solare – L55.0
specified NEC – L53.8
toxic, toxicum NEC – L53.0
- newborn – P83.1
tuberculous (primary) – A18.4

How to choose the right code

Start with the main term, then pick the indented subterm that matches the documentation (type, cause, site, laterality, episode of care). Always confirm the code in the tabular list: follow its Excludes1/Excludes2, “code first” and “use additional code” notes, and add a 7th character where required.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 alphabetic index.