Cutaneous anthrax

This code represents cutaneous anthrax, a bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis that primarily affects the skin. It typically manifests as a painless, pruritic papule that progresses to a vesicle, then a necrotic ulcer with a characteristic black eschar. This form of anthrax is the most common and least severe.

Use this code for documented cases of cutaneous anthrax, often following exposure to infected animals or contaminated animal products. The diagnosis is typically supported by characteristic skin lesions, patient history of exposure, and laboratory confirmation (e.g., culture, PCR).

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the cutaneous form to differentiate from other anthrax types (e.g., inhalation, gastrointestinal).
• Do not code suspected anthrax without definitive diagnosis; use symptom codes instead.
• Consider an external cause code (E-code) if the source of exposure is known and documented.