2025 ICD-10-CM code L70.4

Infantile acne, a skin condition affecting infants from six weeks to one year old, characterized by comedones, papules, and pustules.

Refer to the official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for proper use of this code. Ensure accurate coding based on the type, location, and severity of lesions and the age of the infant.Exclude other conditions that might mimic infantile acne.

Medical necessity for intervention in infantile acne is generally limited to cases of severe acne or those that fail to resolve spontaneously after several months.Treatment is usually reserved for cosmetic purposes or to prevent scarring.Referral to a dermatologist may be considered for guidance in such cases.

Diagnosis and management of infantile acne typically falls under the responsibility of a pediatrician or dermatologist. This may involve clinical examination, discussion of the condition's self-limiting nature, and reassurance to parents. In rare cases of severe acne or persistent symptoms, referral to a dermatologist might be appropriate for treatment considerations.

IMPORTANT Also known as acne neonatorum, neonatal acne, prepubertal acne, or childhood acne.May be considered a mild form of juvenile acne if it persists beyond infancy. ICD-11 codes ED80.6 and KC21.0 also relate to this condition.

In simple words: Infantile acne is a type of acne that appears on babies' faces between six weeks and a year old. It looks like small pimples or bumps and usually goes away on its own within a few months.It is not related to what the baby eats or how clean their skin is.

Infantile acne (L70.4) is a skin condition primarily affecting infants between six weeks and one year of age.It typically presents on the cheeks, forehead, and chin, and may manifest as comedones (whiteheads and blackheads), inflamed papules, pustules, nodules, and in rare cases, cysts.The condition is usually mild to moderate in severity and spontaneously resolves within a few months in most cases.While the exact cause is unknown, a genetic predisposition is suspected.It is not typically linked to hormonal imbalances, except in rare instances of associated endocrine abnormalities. Severe cases may result in scarring.

Example 1: A six-month-old male infant presents with multiple small papules and pustules on his cheeks. The parents express concern about the condition. After a thorough examination, the pediatrician diagnoses infantile acne, reassuring the parents that it is a common and self-limiting condition, and that no intervention is typically necessary., A one-year-old female infant with a history of moderate infantile acne is brought to a dermatologist for evaluation of persistent lesions despite the infant being beyond the typical resolution timeframe. The dermatologist performs a comprehensive examination and suggests topical treatment options if necessary., A three-month-old infant is admitted to the hospital for unrelated reasons. During the routine physical examination, the physician notices mild infantile acne. The physician documents the finding in the medical record and provides reassurance to the parents.

A complete history should be obtained including the onset, duration, and location of the rash.A physical examination documenting the type, distribution, and severity of the lesions is necessary.Photographs may be helpful for documentation and monitoring.In cases of severe or persistent acne, documentation of any comorbidities or family history should be included.

** Infantile acne is typically self-limiting and requires minimal intervention.Treatment is primarily supportive and aims to reduce inflammation and prevent scarring in severe cases.Parents should be educated about the condition and reassured.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Specialties:Pediatrics, Dermatology
  • Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital
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