Erythema multiforme (L51)

ICD-10 code L51 covers erythema multiforme, a skin condition characterized by target-like lesions and inflammation. This coding section includes specific subtypes such as nonbullous erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and related overlap syndromes.

The codes within L51 are used to classify various forms of erythema multiforme and related severe skin reactions. For example, L51.0 represents nonbullous erythema multiforme, sometimes called non-bullous erythema multiforme, which involves skin inflammation without blistering. L51.1 stands for Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a serious condition involving mucous membrane damage and skin detachment, often drug-induced or related to infections. The closely related L51.2 refers to toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome), a more extensive form of skin detachment. Overlap of these two conditions is coded as L51.3. Other specified forms and unspecified cases are coded under L51.8 and L51.9, which include various clinical presentations such as erythema multiforme caused by infections, drugs, or unknown sources. Understanding these codes helps healthcare professionals accurately document and manage these inflammatory and allergic skin disorders.

L51 - Erythema multiforme

Filter diagnosis codes list:

Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00–L99)
- Urticaria and erythema (L49-L54)
  - - L51 Erythema multiforme
    - L51.0 Nonbullous erythema multiforme
    - L51.1 Stevens-Johnson syndrome
    - L51.2 Toxic epidermal necrolysis [Lyell]
    - L51.3 Stevens-Johnson syndrome-toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome
    - L51.8 Other erythema multiforme
    - L51.9 Erythema multiforme, unspecified

Instructional Notations

Use Additional Code

The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.

code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug T36 T50

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.

staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome L00
Ritter's disease L00

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.