Carbuncle and furuncle of foot

This code represents a localized, painful bacterial infection of the hair follicles and surrounding skin on the foot. A furuncle (boil) is a single infected follicle, while a carbuncle is a cluster of interconnected furuncles forming a deeper, more extensive infection. These lesions typically present with erythema, swelling, tenderness, and often a central pustule or draining sinus.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of a carbuncle or furuncle specifically located on any part of the foot. This includes the toes, sole, instep, or heel. Supporting documentation should describe the characteristic signs and symptoms of these localized skin infections.

• Differentiate from cellulitis or abscesses of the foot, which are broader infections and coded differently.
• Specify the exact anatomical site on the foot if further detail is available (e.g., toe, heel), though this code covers the entire foot.
• Consider an additional code for the causative organism (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) if identified and documented.