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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code L43
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L43

Lichen planus

ICD-10-CM Code:
L43
ICD-10 Code for:
Lichen planus
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    (L00–L99)
    • Papulosquamous disorders
      (L40-L45)
      • Lichen planus
        (L43)

L43 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of lichen planus. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Lichen planus

Non-specific codes like L43 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for lichen planus:

  • Use L43.0 for Hypertrophic lichen planus - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L43.1 for Bullous lichen planus - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L43.2 for Lichenoid drug reaction - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L43.3 for Subacute (active) lichen planus - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L43.8 for Other lichen planus - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L43.9 for Lichen planus, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Clinical Information

  • Lichen Planus

    an inflammatory, pruritic disease of the skin and mucous membranes, which can be either generalized or localized. it is characterized by distinctive purplish, flat-topped papules having a predilection for the trunk and flexor surfaces. the lesions may be discrete or coalesce to form plaques. histologically, there is a "saw-tooth" pattern of epidermal hyperplasia and vacuolar alteration of the basal layer of the epidermis along with an intense upper dermal inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of t-cells. etiology is unknown.

  • Lichen Planus, Oral

    oral lesions accompanying cutaneous lichen planus or often occurring alone. the buccal mucosa, lips, gingivae, floor of the mouth, and palate are usually affected (in a descending order of frequency). typically, oral lesions consist of radiating white or gray, velvety, threadlike lines, arranged in a reticular pattern, at the intersection of which there may be minute, white, elevated dots or streaks (wickham's striae). (jablonski, illustrated dictionary of dentistry)

  • Atrophic Lichen Planus

    a rare form of lichen planus that is characterized by well-demarcated, white-bluish papules or plaques with central atrophy.

  • Bullous Lichen Planus

    a rare form of lichen planus that is characterized by the formation of vesico-bullous lesions on top of preexisting lichen planus papules or on normal skin.

  • Hypertrophic Lichen Planus

    a form of lichen planus that is characterized by plaques of markedly thickened skin that is often extremely pruritic and localized to the lower legs. it can result in permanent pigmentation and scarring.

  • Lichen Planus

    a chronic, recurrent, pruritic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology that affects the skin and mucus membranes. it presents with rashes and papules that tend to resolve spontaneously. it may be associated with hepatitis c. certain drugs that contain arsenic or bismuth are associated with reactions mimicking lichen planus.

  • Lichen Planus-Like Keratosis|Lichenoid Keratosis

    a benign intraepidermal squamoproliferative neoplasm characterized by irregular acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, and prominent chronic inflammation.

  • Lichenoid Drug Eruption|Drug-induced Lichen Planus|Drug-induced Lichen Planus

    a red or violaceous flat-topped, papular eruption that is induced by exposure to a variety of medications or environmental agents.

  • Oral Lichen Planus

    a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes in the oral cavity that affects approximately two percent of the population and is most often seen in middle aged women. it is characterized by white, lacy patches; red, swollen tissue; papules and plaques; or open sores. the lesions are typically bilateral.

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • lichen planopilaris L66.1

Patient Education


Skin Conditions

What does your skin do?

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It covers the entire outside of your body. There are many ways that your skin protects your body and helps keep you healthy. For example, it:

  • Holds body fluids in, which helps prevent you from getting dehydrated
  • Keeps out harmful germs, which helps prevent infections
  • Helps you feel things like heat, cold, and pain
  • Helps control your body temperature
  • Makes vitamin D when the sun shines on it
  • Shields your body against heat and light

What problems and conditions can affect your skin?

There are many different problems and conditions which can affect your skin. Some of them can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as itching, burning, redness, and rashes. They might also affect your appearance. Some of the more common skin conditions include:

  • Acne, which causes pimples when hair follicles under your skin get clogged up
  • Burns
  • Cuts and scrapes
  • Dandruff, flaking of the skin on your scalp (the top of your head)
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis), which causes inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin
  • Hives, which are red and sometimes itchy bumps on your skin
  • Insect bites
  • Psoriasis, which causes itchy, scaly red patches
  • Skin cancer
  • Skin infections

How can I keep my skin healthy?

Since your skin protects your body in many ways, it's important to try to keep your skin healthy. For example, you can:

  • Wear the right protective equipment, like gloves, long sleeves, knee and elbow pads, or helmets to protect against cuts, bumps and scrapes.
  • If you do get a cut or scrape, clean it right away with soap and warm water. Put on a bandage to protect it while it heals.
  • When you are spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants and use insect repellant to prevent insect bites.
  • Prevent sunburn by covering up and using sunscreen when outdoors.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • When you take a shower or bath, use warm (not hot) water. Use mild cleansers and wash gently (don't scrub).
  • Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams, or ointments, to prevent dry skin.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


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Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.