Other disorders of pigmentation (L81)
The ICD-10 codes in the L81 category are specifically used to identify and classify a range of disorders of skin pigmentation. These codes help distinguish between different conditions involving abnormal changes in skin color caused by excess or diminished melanin, as well as other pigmentation abnormalities.
For medical coders and healthcare providers, the ICD-10 code for other disorders of pigmentation (L81) covers conditions such as postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (L81.0), which is the darkening of skin after injury or inflammation. Chloasma (L81.1) refers to melasma, often related to hormonal changes or drugs. Freckles (L81.2) and café au lait spots (L81.3) describe specific patterns of hyperpigmentation sometimes linked to genetic syndromes like neurofibromatosis. The section also includes codes for other melanin hyperpigmentation (L81.4) and leukoderma (L81.5), which involve light-colored skin patches. Other entries cover diminished melanin formation disorders (L81.6), pigmented purpuric dermatosis (L81.7), and various specified or unspecified pigmentation disorders (L81.8 and L81.9). By referencing listed synonyms such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, ephelis (freckles), and café au lait spots, coders can confidently select the correct code to accurately represent the pigmentation condition being documented.
Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00–L99)
Other disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L80-L99)
L81 Other disorders of pigmentation
- L81.0 Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
- L81.1 Chloasma
- L81.2 Freckles
- L81.3 Cafe au lait spots
- L81.4 Other melanin hyperpigmentation
- L81.5 Leukoderma, not elsewhere classified
- L81.6 Other disorders of diminished melanin formation
- L81.7 Pigmented purpuric dermatosis
- L81.8 Other specified disorders of pigmentation
- L81.9 Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified
Other disorders of pigmentation (L81)
Instructional Notations
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.
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- nevus - see Alphabetical Index
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.
Melanosis
Disorders of increased melanin pigmentation that develop without preceding inflammatory disease.
Orthostatic Intolerance
Symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion or autonomic overaction which develop while the subject is standing, but are relieved on recumbency. Types of this include NEUROCARDIOGENIC SYNCOPE; POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA SYNDROME; and neurogenic ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION. (From Noseworthy, JH., Neurological Therapeutics Principles and Practice, 2007, p2575-2576)
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
A syndrome of ORTHOSTATIC INTOLERANCE combined with excessive upright TACHYCARDIA, and usually without associated ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION. All variants have in common an excessively reduced venous return to the heart (central HYPOVOLEMIA) while upright.
Skin Pigmentation
Coloration of the skin.
