L21.0 - Seborrhea capitis

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

• Cradle cap
• Exfoliative disorder of skin of scalp
• Exfoliative disorder of skin of scalp
• Pityriasis
• Pityriasis capitis
• Pityriasis steatoides
• Seborrheic dermatitis of scalp

Clinical Information

• Pityriasis-. a name originally applied to a group of skin diseases characterized by the formation of fine, branny scales, but now used only with a modifier. (dorland, 27th ed)
• Pityriasis Lichenoides-. a subgroup of parapsoriasis itself divided into acute and chronic forms. the acute form is characterized by the abrupt onset of a generalized, reddish-brown, maculopapular eruption. lesions may be vesicular, hemorrhagic, crusted, or necrotic. histologically the disease is characterized by epidermal necrolysis. the chronic form shows milder skin changes with necrosis.
• Pityriasis Rosea-. a mild exanthematous inflammation of unknown etiology. it is characterized by the presence of salmon-colored maculopapular lesions. the most striking feature is the arrangement of the lesions such that the long axis is parallel to the lines of cleavage. the eruptions are usually generalized, affecting chiefly the trunk, and the course is often self-limiting.
• Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris-. a chronic skin disease characterized by small follicular papules, disseminated reddish-brown scaly patches, and often, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. the papules are about the size of a pin and topped by a horny plug.
• Tinea Versicolor-. a common chronic, noninflammatory and usually symptomless disorder, characterized by the occurrence of multiple macular patches of all sizes and shapes, and varying in pigmentation from fawn-colored to brown. it is seen most frequently in hot, humid, tropical regions and is mostly caused by malassezia furfur (formerly pityrosporum orbiculare).
• Parapsoriasis-. the term applied to a group of relatively uncommon inflammatory, maculopapular, scaly eruptions of unknown etiology and resistant to conventional treatment. eruptions are both psoriatic and lichenoid in appearance, but the diseases are distinct from psoriasis, lichen planus, or other recognized dermatoses. proposed nomenclature divides parapsoriasis into two distinct subgroups, pityriasis lichenoides and parapsoriasis en plaques (small- and large-plaque parapsoriasis).

Diagnostic Related Groups - MS-DRG Mapping

The is diagnosis code is grouped in the following groups for version MS-DRG V40.0 What are Diagnostic Related Groups?
The Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs) are a patient classification scheme which provides a means of relating the type of patients a hospital treats. The DRGs divides all possible principal diagnoses into mutually exclusive principal diagnosis areas referred to as Major Diagnostic Categories (MDC). applicable from 10/01/2022 through 09/30/2023.

Convert to ICD-9 Code

Patient Education

Dandruff, Cradle Cap, and Other Scalp Conditions

Your scalp is the skin on the top of your head. Unless you have hair loss, hair grows on your scalp. Different skin problems can affect your scalp.

Dandruff is a flaking of the skin. The flakes are yellow or white. Dandruff may make your scalp feel itchy. It usually starts after puberty, and is more common in men. Dandruff is usually a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrhea. It is a skin condition that can also cause redness and irritation of the skin.

Most of the time, using a dandruff shampoo can help control your dandruff. If that does not work, contact your health care provider.

There is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that babies can get. It is called cradle cap. It usually lasts a few months, and then goes away on its own. Besides the scalp, it can sometimes affect other parts of the body, such as the eyelids, armpits, groin, and ears. Normally, washing your baby's hair every day with a mild shampoo and gently rubbing their scalp with your fingers or a soft brush can help. For severe cases, your health care provider may give you a prescription shampoo or cream to use.

Other problems that can affect the scalp include:

• Scalp ringworm, a fungal infection that causes itchy, red patches on your head. It can also leave bald spots. It usually affects children.
• Scalp psoriasis, which causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. About half of the people with psoriasis have it on their scalp.

Code History

• 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 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)