Acne varioliformis

Acne varioliformis, also known as acne necrotica miliaris or folliculitis varioliformis, is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting hair follicles, primarily on the scalp. It is characterized by recurrent papules and pustules that heal with varioliform (pock-like) scarring and often result in permanent alopecia. The condition is distinct from common acne vulgaris.

This code is appropriate for documenting a diagnosis of acne varioliformis, folliculitis varioliformis, or acne necrotica miliaris. It should be used when the physician's documentation clearly identifies this specific, scarring follicular inflammatory condition, typically on the scalp. Documentation should describe the characteristic lesions and scarring.

• Differentiate from other forms of acne (e.g., acne vulgaris, acne conglobata) which have distinct ICD-10-CM codes.
• Ensure documentation specifies "varioliformis" or "necrotica miliaris" to support this specific code.
• Consider additional codes for associated conditions like alopecia if explicitly documented as a separate diagnosis.