Folliculitis ICD-10-CM Codes

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Folliculitis

Diagnosing folliculitis, an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, involves a specific set of ICD-10 codes that aid in accurately identifying and classifying this condition. Let's dive into the most commonly used codes in detail:

1. L66.2: Folliculitis decalvans: This code refers to a rare form of scarring alopecia characterized by recurring patches of painful folliculitis. A distinguishing feature of this condition is the presence of significant inflammation, which can lead to noticeable hair loss if left untreated. Medical professionals must observe these symptoms to identify and treat the condition effectively.
   
   
2. L73.9: Acneiform disorder, unspecified: This code is used when folliculitis presents acne-like symptoms. It covers a broad spectrum of acneiform eruptions that have not been specifically defined under any other category. This implies that the patient's symptoms are unique and may require a more personalized approach to treatment.
   
   
3. L66.4: Pseudopelade: This code represents Pseudopelade, a slow-progressing form of scarring alopecia. Often, this condition might initially manifest itself as folliculitis. As a rare condition, it tends to result in irregular areas of hair loss with little to no visible inflammation. The identification of this condition is crucial for early intervention and the prevention of irreversible hair loss.
   
   
4. L01.02: Cutaneous abscess of the trunk: When folliculitis in the trunk region progresses to an abscess, this ICD-10 code is used. This indicates a localized skin infection, which can be extremely painful and often requires prompt medical intervention to prevent further complications and ensure patient comfort.
   
   
5. L66.3: Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens: Also known as "dissecting cellulitis of the scalp," this code represents an inflammatory condition. It usually begins with symptoms similar to folliculitis and can evolve into painful nodules. Recognizing this condition early can lead to more effective treatment and potentially prevent unnecessary discomfort.
   
   
6. L73.0: Acne keloid: This code is employed when folliculitis causes keloid scarring, particularly at the back of the neck. The keloids form due to an overgrowth of scar tissue, which can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns for the patient.

Navigating the world of medical coding can be complex. If you're a healthcare professional looking to deepen your understanding of these codes, we invite you to explore our Folliculitis ICD Codes used in medical billing and coding.

For an even better grasp, we've included an explainer video.

Which Folliculitis ICD codes are Billable?

• L66.2: Yes
• L73.9: Yes
• L66.4: Yes
• L01.02: Yes
• L66.3: Yes
• L73.0: Yes

Clinical Information

• Folliculitis is a dermatological condition primarily characterized by the inflammation or infection of hair follicles, the skin structures from which hair grows.
  
• This condition can surface anywhere on the skin with hair follicles. However, it most commonly manifests on the face, scalp, and body areas that frequently come into contact with clothing due to constant friction.
  
• Different folliculitis variants exist, each caused by a different type of pathogen. Bacterial folliculitis is triggered by bacterial invasion; fungal folliculitis arises from fungal pathogens, and viral infections cause viral folliculitis.
  
• The physical appearance of folliculitis often involves the presence of small, inflamed bumps that can be red or white. These bumps usually surround the hair follicles and can lead to symptoms such as itching, tenderness, or heightened redness in the affected areas.
  
• The severity of folliculitis can range from mild, superficial irritation to severe, deep-seated infections affecting the entire hair follicle. Therefore, the clinical presentation can vary significantly between individuals.
  
• Timely diagnosis and treatment of folliculitis are crucial to preventing complications such as permanent hair loss or the spread of infection. Various treatments exist, including topical or oral antibiotics for bacterial folliculitis, antifungal medications for fungal folliculitis, and antiviral drugs for viral folliculitis.
  

Even though folliculitis is generally not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a person's quality of life due to the associated discomfort and cosmetic concerns. Consequently, healthcare professionals need to recognize the symptoms early and provide appropriate treatment.

Synonyms Include:

• Hair follicle inflammation
• Superficial folliculitis
• Deep folliculitis
• Scalp folliculitis
• Pseudofolliculitis