Tinea barbae and tinea capitis

This code represents a fungal infection affecting the hair follicles and surrounding skin of the beard area (tinea barbae) or the scalp (tinea capitis). These dermatophyte infections are characterized by scaling, erythema, hair loss, and sometimes pustules or kerions.

Use this code when documentation specifies a dermatophyte infection of the beard or scalp. This includes conditions like ringworm of the scalp or beard, often caused by Trichophyton or Microsporum species. Supporting documentation should clearly identify the anatomical site of the fungal infection as either the scalp or the beard area.

• Differentiate from other superficial fungal infections; ensure the documentation specifies involvement of the scalp or beard.
• Do not use for fungal infections of other body sites, such as tinea corporis or tinea cruris.
• Consider an additional code for the causative organism (e.g., B49 for unspecified mycosis) if known and documented, though often not required for this specific code.