2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Q81

Specific Coding Applicable to Epidermolysis bullosa

Non-specific codes like Q81 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 epidermolysis bullosa:

Clinical Information

• Epidermolysis Bullosa

  group of genetically determined disorders characterized by the blistering of skin and mucosae. there are four major forms: acquired, simple, junctional, and dystrophic. each of the latter three has several varieties.

• Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita

  form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by trauma-induced, subepidermal blistering with no family history of the disease. direct immunofluorescence shows immunoglobulin g deposited at the dermo-epidermal junction.

• Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica

  form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by atrophy of blistered areas, severe scarring, and nail changes. it is most often present at birth or in early infancy and occurs in both autosomal dominant and recessive forms. all forms of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa result from mutations in collagen type vii, a major component fibrils of basement membrane and epidermis.

• Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex

  a form of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by serous bullae that heal without scarring. mutations in the genes that encode keratin-5 and keratin-14 have been associated with several subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa simplex.

• Epidermolysis Bullosa, Junctional

  form of epidermolysis bullosa having onset at birth or during the neonatal period and transmitted through autosomal recessive inheritance. it is characterized by generalized blister formation, extensive denudation, and separation and cleavage of the basal cell plasma membranes from the basement membrane.

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

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of rare diseases that cause fragile skin that leads to blistering and tearing.
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

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.