Exfoliation due to erythematous conditions according to extent of body surface involved (L49)
The ICD-10 code L49 and its subcodes classify exfoliation caused by erythematous (red, inflamed) skin conditions based on how much of the body surface is affected. These codes specify the percentage of the body involved, ranging from less than 10% to 90% or more.
This section is used to precisely document varying degrees of skin peeling linked to inflammatory redness, helping healthcare providers capture the severity of the condition. For example, L49.0 indicates exfoliation involving less than 10% of the body surface, while L49.9 is for exfoliation covering 90% or more. All subcategories fall under the umbrella of "Other specified inflammatory condition of skin," providing a detailed way to code exfoliation that occurs as a result of erythematous skin diseases. Using the correct ICD-10 code for exfoliation due to erythematous conditions ensures accurate clinical records and aids treatment planning based on the extent of skin involvement.
Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00–L99)
Urticaria and erythema (L49-L54)
L49 Exfoliation due to erythematous conditions according to extent of body surface involved
- L49.0 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving less than 10 percent of body surface
- L49.1 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 10-19 percent of body surface
- L49.2 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 20-29 percent of body surface
- L49.3 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 30-39 percent of body surface
- L49.4 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 40-49 percent of body surface
- L49.5 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 50-59 percent of body surface
- L49.6 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 60-69 percent of body surface
- L49.7 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 70-79 percent of body surface
- L49.8 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 80-89 percent of body surface
- L49.9 Exfoliation due to erythematous condition involving 90 or more percent of body surface
Exfoliation due to erythematous conditions according to extent of body surface involved (L49)
Instructional Notations
Code First
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
