What does ICD-10 code L23 mean?

ICD-10 code L23 is the standardized code used for allergic contact dermatitis in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code L23 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code L23 when recording allergic contact dermatitis in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code L23 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code L23: Allergic contact dermatitis

Name: ICD-10 Code L23: Allergic contact dermatitis
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:16:31.763Z

L23 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Allergic contact dermatitis. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents allergic contact dermatitis in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

12Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00-L99)

block

L20-L30Dermatitis and eczema

currentL20-L30

Official coding notes

Excludes1 (do not code together)

allergy NOS (T78.40)
contact dermatitis NOS (L25.9)
dermatitis NOS (L30.9)

Excludes2 (may code together if documented)

dermatitis due to substances taken internally (L27.-)
dermatitis of eyelid (H01.1-)
diaper dermatitis (L22)
eczema of external ear (H60.5-)
irritant contact dermatitis (L24.-)
perioral dermatitis (L71.0)
radiation-related disorders of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L55-L59)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

Dermatologist

Sibling codes

L20Atopic dermatitis L21Seborrheic dermatitis L22Diaper dermatitisbillable L24Irritant contact dermatitis L25Unspecified contact dermatitis L26Exfoliative dermatitisbillable L27Dermatitis due to substances taken internally L28Lichen simplex chronicus and prurigo L29Pruritus L30Other and unspecified dermatitis

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

L23

Replacement codes

L23.0 — Allergic contact dermatitis due to metalsL23.1 — Allergic contact dermatitis due to adhesivesL23.2 — Allergic contact dermatitis due to cosmeticsL23.3 — Allergic contact dermatitis due to drugs in contact with skinL23.4 — Allergic contact dermatitis due to dyesL23.5 — Allergic contact dermatitis due to other chemical productsL23.6 — Allergic contact dermatitis due to food in contact with the skinL23.7 — Allergic contact dermatitis due to plants, except foodL23.9 — Allergic contact dermatitis, unspecified cause

Common synonyms

Allergic contact dermatitis

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.