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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. L00–L99
  4. L55-L59
  5. Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation (L56)

Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation (L56)

The ICD-10 code section L56 covers various acute skin changes caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including specific photosensitive reactions and skin eruptions often triggered or worsened by sun exposure.

This section includes codes for conditions such as drug phototoxic response (L56.0); a skin reaction resembling sunburn caused by certain medications; and drug photoallergic response (L56.1), an immune-mediated reaction to sunlight in the presence of specific drugs. It also covers photocontact dermatitis (L56.2), also known as berloque dermatitis, which results from contact with photosensitizing substances like plants or fragrances followed by UV exposure. Other notable codes are for solar urticaria (L56.3), a rare allergic reaction to sunlight, and polymorphous light eruption (L56.4), a common rash triggered by sun exposure with various visual forms. Additionally, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (L56.5) refers to multiple keratotic skin lesions due to sun damage. The codes L56.8 and L56.9 are used for other specified or unspecified acute UV-induced skin changes. Including synonyms in these codes helps clarify conditions like “phototoxic drug eruption” or “juvenile spring eruption,” aiding both clinicians and coders in selecting the precise ICD-10 code for acute UV skin reactions.

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 to identify the source of the ultraviolet radiation W89 X32

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.

Hydroa Vacciniforme

A vesicular and bullous eruption having a tendency to recur in summer during childhood and commonly appearing on sun-exposed skin. The lesions are surrounded by an erythematous zone and resemble a vaccination. (From Dorland, 27th ed)

Keratinocytes

Epidermal cells which synthesize keratin and undergo characteristic changes as they move upward from the basal layers of the epidermis to the cornified (horny) layer of the skin. Successive stages of differentiation of the keratinocytes forming the epidermal layers are basal cell, spinous or prickle cell, and the granular cell.

Porokeratosis

A heritable disorder of faulty keratinization characterized by the proliferation of abnormal clones of KERATINOCYTES and lesions showing varying atrophic patches surrounded by an elevated, keratotic border. These keratotic lesions can progress to overt cutaneous neoplasm. Several clinical variants are recognized, including porokeratosis of Mibelli, linear porokeratosis, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, palmoplantar porokeratosis, and punctate porokeratosis.

Skin Pigmentation

Coloration of the skin.

Sunbathing

Exposing oneself to SUNLIGHT or ULTRAVIOLET RAYS.

Suntan

An induced skin pigment (MELANIN) darkening after exposure to SUNLIGHT or ULTRAVIOLET RAYS. The degree of tanning depends on the intensity and duration of UV exposure, and genetic factors.