1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes
  3. L00–L99
  4. L20-L30
  5. L20
  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code L20

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L20

Atopic dermatitis

ICD-10-CM Code:
L20
ICD-10 Code for:
Atopic dermatitis
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

L20 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 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 Atopic dermatitis

Non-specific codes like L20 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 atopic dermatitis:

  • Use L20.0 for Besnier's prurigo - BILLABLE CODE

  • L20.8 for Other atopic dermatitis - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L20.81 for Atopic neurodermatitis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L20.82 for Flexural eczema - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L20.83 for Infantile (acute) (chronic) eczema - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L20.84 for Intrinsic (allergic) eczema - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L20.89 for Other atopic dermatitis - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use L20.9 for Atopic dermatitis, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
    L00–L99
    • Dermatitis and eczema
      L20-L30
      • Atopic dermatitis
        L20

Clinical Information

  • Atopic Dermatitis

    a common form of eczema that is characterized by chronic skin inflammation, dryness, pruritus, and irritation. it often presents in patients with allergies and may more commonly be noted on the folds of the skin or the scalp.

  • FAF2 wt Allele|ETEA|Expressed In T Cells and Eosinophils In Atopic Dermatitis 2 Gene|Expressed In T-Cells and Eosinophils In Atopic Dermatitis Gene|FAF Family, Member 2 Gene|Fas Associated Factor Family Member 2 wt Allele|Fas-Associated Factor Family, Member 2 Gene|KIAA0887|UBXD8|UBXN3B

    human faf2 wild-type allele is located in the vicinity of 5q35.2 and is approximately 62 kb in length. this allele, which encodes fas-associated factor 2 protein, plays a role in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation of misfolded proteins and the regulation of apoptosis. aberrant overexpression of the gene is associated with atopic dermatitis.

  • Immunodeficiency 11B with Atopic Dermatitis|Atopic Dermatitis, Elevated IgE, and Eosinophilia|CARD11/CID|IMD11B

    an autosomal dominant condition caused by mutation(s) in the card11 gene, encoding caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 11. it is characterized by the onset of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in early childhood, defects in t-cell activation, increased ige, and eosinophilia.

Patient Education


Eczema

Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. Most types cause dry, itchy skin and rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Scratching the skin can cause it to turn red, and to swell and itch even more.

Eczema is not contagious. The cause of eczema is unknown. It is likely caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Eczema may get better or worse over time, but it is often a long-lasting disease. People who have it may also develop hay fever and asthma.

The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It is most common in babies and children, but adults can have it too. As children who have atopic dermatitis grow older, this problem may get better or go away. But sometimes the skin may stay dry and get irritated easily.

Treatments may include medicines, skin creams, light therapy, and good skin care. You can prevent some types of eczema by avoiding:

  • Things that irritate your skin, such as certain soaps, fabrics, and lotions
  • Stress
  • Things you are allergic to, such as food, pollen, and animals

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
  • FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
  • 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.