2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L26Exfoliative dermatitis

ICD-10-CM Codes›L00–L99›L20-L30›L26

ICD-10-CM L26
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

L26 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for exfoliative dermatitis. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 606 through 607. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Other specified inflammatory condition of skin.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
L26
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Exfoliative dermatitis
Chapter
L20-L30
Dermatitis and eczema

Code Classification

ChapterL00–L99Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
SectionL20-L30Dermatitis and eczema
CategoryL26Exfoliative dermatitis
This CodeL26Exfoliative dermatitis

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Chronic generalized exfoliative dermatitis
  • Diffuse dermatitis
  • Drug-induced desquamation of skin
  • Exfoliative disorder of skin of scalp
  • Generalized exfoliative contact dermatitis
  • Megaloblastic anemia due to exfoliative dermatitis
  • Pityriasis rubra
  • Pityriasis rubra pilaris
  • Recurrent focal palmar peeling
  • Subacute dermatitis
  • Subacute generalized exfoliative dermatitis

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Hebra's pityriasis

Type 1 Excludes

  • Ritter's disease L00

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Dermatitis(eczematous)
      • exfoliative, exfoliativa (generalized)
    • Dermatosis
      • exfoliativa
    • Hebra's
      • pityriasis
    • Pityriasis(capitis)
      • Hebra's

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR SKN002
Other specified inflammatory condition of skin
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • 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.

  • Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

    a rare cutaneous disorder of unknown etiology characterized by the presence of reddish-orange scaly plaques, palmoplantar keratoderma, keratotic follicular papules, and confluent erythematous areas with areas of normal skin between the lesions.

Patient EducationClinical

Rashes

A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. Many rashes are itchy, red, painful, and irritated. Some rashes can also lead to blisters or patches of raw skin. Rashes are a symptom of many different medical problems. Other causes include irritating substances and allergies. Certain genes can make people more likely to get rashes.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert L26 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
695.89 Erythematous cond NEC
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About L26Overview

Is L26 (Exfoliative dermatitis) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report exfoliative dermatitis on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does L26 group to?

When exfoliative dermatitis is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 606, 607, with relative weights from 0.9064 to 1.5132 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of L26?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, exfoliative dermatitis converts to ICD-9-CM 695.89 (erythematous cond NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.