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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. L00–L99
  4. L55-L59
  5. Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation (L57)

Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation (L57)

The ICD-10 code L57 series covers skin changes caused by long-term exposure to nonionizing radiation, such as ultraviolet light from the sun or artificial sources. These codes help classify conditions that result specifically from chronic radiation effects on the skin.

The primary code, L57, addresses general skin alterations due to ongoing radiation exposure. More specific codes include L57.0 for actinic keratosis, also known as hypertrophic solar keratosis or senile hyperkeratosis, which represents precancerous skin lesions often found on sun-exposed areas like hands and face. L57.1 identifies actinic reticuloid (cutaneous T-cell pseudolymphoma), while L57.2 points to cutis rhomboidalis nuchae, a pattern of skin thickening due to sun damage on the neck. Poikiloderma of Civatte (L57.3) features reddish-brown skin discoloration on sun-exposed neck and chest areas. Cutis laxa senilis (L57.4) describes loose, redundant skin often linked to aging and UV effects. Additionally, L57.5 covers actinic granuloma, an inflammatory skin condition, while L57.8 addresses other less common radiation-induced skin changes such as solar pruritus or nodular elastosis. For unspecified chronic radiation skin effects, L57.9 is applied.

These ICD-10 codes serve healthcare professionals and coders needing precise identification of skin conditions caused specifically by prolonged nonionizing radiation exposure for accurate documentation and treatment guidance.

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 W90

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.

Cutis Laxa

A group of connective tissue diseases in which skin hangs in loose pendulous folds. It is believed to be associated with decreased elastic tissue formation as well as an abnormality in elastin formation. Cutis laxa is usually a genetic disease, but acquired cases have been reported. (From Dorland, 27th ed)

Darier Disease

An autosomal dominantly inherited skin disorder characterized by warty malodorous papules that coalesce into plaques. It is caused by mutations in the ATP2A2 gene encoding SERCA2 protein, one of the SARCOPLASMIC RETICULUM CALCIUM-TRANSPORTING ATPASES. The condition is similar, clinically and histologically, to BENIGN FAMILIAL PEMPHIGUS, another autosomal dominant skin disorder. Both diseases have defective calcium pumps (CALCIUM-TRANSPORTING ATPASES) and unstable desmosomal adhesion junctions (DESMOSOMES) between KERATINOCYTES.

Keratin-9

A type II keratin found predominantly expressed in the terminally differentiated EPIDERMIS of palms and soles. Mutations in the gene for keratin 9 are associated with KERATODERMA, PALMOPLANTAR, EPIDERMOLYTIC.

Keratoderma, Palmoplantar

Group of mostly hereditary disorders characterized by thickening of the palms and soles as a result of excessive keratin formation leading to hypertrophy of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratosis).

Keratoderma, Palmoplantar, Diffuse

An autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a widely distributed, well-demarcated hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. There is more than one genotypically distinct form, each of which is clinically similar but histologically distinguishable. Diffuse palmoplantar keratoderma is distinct from palmoplantar keratoderma (KERATODERMA, PALMOPLANTAR), as the former exhibits autosomal dominant inheritance and hyperhidrosis is frequently present.

Keratoderma, Palmoplantar, Epidermolytic

An autosomal dominant hereditary skin disease characterized by epidermolytic hyperkeratosis that is strictly confined to the palms and soles. It has been associated with mutations in the gene that codes for KERATIN-9.

Keratosis

Any horny growth such as a wart or callus.

Keratosis, Actinic

White or pink lesions on the arms, hands, face, or scalp that arise from sun-induced DNA DAMAGE to KERATINOCYTES in exposed areas. They are considered precursor lesions to superficial SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA.

Keratosis, Seborrheic

Benign eccrine poromas that present as multiple oval, brown-to-black plaques, located mostly on the chest and back. The age of onset is usually in the fourth or fifth decade.

Leukoplakia, Oral

A white patch seen on the oral mucosa. It is considered a premalignant condition and is often tobacco-induced. When evidence of Epstein-Barr virus is present, the condition is called hairy leukoplakia (LEUKOPLAKIA, HAIRY).

Papillon-Lefevre Disease

Rare, autosomal recessive disorder occurring between the first and fifth years of life. It is characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma with periodontitis followed by the premature shedding of both deciduous and permanent teeth. Mutations in the gene for CATHEPSIN C have been associated with this disease.

Tyrosinemias

A group of disorders which have in common elevations of tyrosine in the blood and urine secondary to an enzyme deficiency. Type I tyrosinemia features episodic weakness, self-mutilation, hepatic necrosis, renal tubular injury, and seizures and is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme fumarylacetoacetase. Type II tyrosinemia features INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY, painful corneal ulcers, and keratoses of the palms and plantar surfaces and is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme TYROSINE TRANSAMINASE. Type III tyrosinemia features INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY and is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme 4-HYDROXYPHENYLPYRUVATE DIOXYGENASE. (Menkes, Textbook of Child Neurology, 5th ed, pp42-3)