Dermatitis due to other substances taken internally

This code represents an inflammatory reaction of the skin caused by the systemic absorption of a substance ingested, inhaled, or injected, excluding medications. This includes adverse cutaneous reactions to food additives, environmental toxins, or other non-medicinal substances that manifest as dermatitis.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a skin rash or inflammation resulting from an internal exposure to a non-drug substance. This is appropriate for cases like allergic reactions to food dyes, preservatives, or other ingested chemicals, or systemic exposure to environmental irritants that manifest dermatologically. Documentation should specify the internal exposure and the resulting dermatitis.

• Always seek to identify the specific substance if known and document it thoroughly.
• Distinguish carefully from dermatitis due to topically applied substances (contact dermatitis) or adverse drug reactions.
• Consider an additional code for the specific substance (e.g., T50-T65 for poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of nonopioid analgesics, antipyretics and antirheumatics) if applicable and documented.