Perioral dermatitis

This code represents an inflammatory skin condition characterized by small, red, sometimes pus-filled bumps that primarily affect the skin around the mouth, nose, and sometimes the eyes. It is often mistaken for acne or rosacea but has distinct features and triggers.

Use this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of perioral dermatitis. This typically occurs in patients presenting with a rash around the mouth, often exacerbated by topical steroid use or certain cosmetics. Supporting documentation should include a physician's diagnosis based on clinical examination.

• Differentiate from acne (L70.-) or rosacea (L71.9, L71.1, etc.) as perioral dermatitis has a distinct etiology and treatment.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "perioral dermatitis" rather than a generic rash or dermatitis NOS.
• Avoid using this code if the rash is confirmed to be contact dermatitis, which would be coded from the L23-L25 series.