Find information on xerosis (dry skin), including clinical documentation tips, medical coding guidelines (ICD-10 codes), symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Learn about diagnosing and managing xerosis cutis, asteatosis, and skin dryness from a healthcare perspective. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals on proper documentation and coding related to xerosis.
Also known as
Other disorders of skin
Includes xerosis cutis, acquired ichthyosis, and other specified disorders of skin.
Acquired ichthyosis
A condition characterized by dry, thickened, scaly skin similar to xerosis but often associated with systemic disease.
Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
This broad category encompasses various skin conditions, including xerosis as a symptom or manifestation.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is xerosis associated with other conditions?
Yes
Is it ichthyosis?
No
Code L85.3 Xerosis cutis
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Dry skin |
| Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) |
| Ichthyosis vulgaris |
Coding xerosis without laterality or site may lead to claim denials or inaccurate severity reflection, impacting reimbursement.
Miscoding xerosis as dermatitis or vice versa due to similar symptoms can skew data reporting and quality metrics.
Failing to code the underlying condition causing xerosis (e.g., hypothyroidism) leads to incomplete clinical picture and inaccurate risk adjustment.
Patient presents with complaints of dry skin (xerosis cutis), consistent with symptoms of dry, rough, and itchy skin. The patient reports pruritus, scaling, and skin tightness, particularly on the extremities and trunk. On examination, the skin appears dry, flaky, and possibly erythematous. No evidence of fissuring, cracking, or bleeding was observed. The patient denies any recent changes in skincare products, medications, or environmental exposures. Assessment includes xerosis, ICD-10 code L85.3. Differential diagnoses considered include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. These were ruled out based on clinical presentation and patient history. The patient was educated on the importance of regular moisturizing with emollients containing ceramides, humectants like hyaluronic acid, and occlusives such as petrolatum. Recommendations were provided for lukewarm showers, avoidance of harsh soaps, and the use of a humidifier. Follow-up is recommended if symptoms worsen or do not improve with conservative management. Plan includes patient education on skincare and dry skin treatment options.