2025 ICD-10-CM code L70.5

Acne excoriee, also known as picker's acne, is a skin condition characterized by excoriated acne lesions, often resulting from compulsive picking or scratching.

Code L70.5 is used specifically for acne excoriee, which is characterized by excoriated acne lesions due to self-inflicted picking or scratching.If there is active acne present in addition to the excoriations, the code for the underlying acne type should also be reported (e.g., L70.0 for acne vulgaris).Do not use L70.5 if the skin picking is not related to acne lesions. In such cases, other codes for neurotic excoriations may be more appropriate.

Medical necessity for treating acne excoriee is based on the impact of the condition on the patient's physical and psychological well-being.Treatment aims to reduce skin damage, prevent scarring and infection, and address any underlying psychological factors contributing to the picking behavior.

Diagnosis and treatment of acne excoriee typically falls under the purview of dermatologists. They assess the severity of the condition, differentiate it from other skin disorders, and recommend appropriate treatment strategies, which may include medical management for any underlying acne and behavioral therapy to address the compulsive picking behavior.

In simple words: Picker's acne is a skin problem where people scratch or pick at their pimples so much that it causes sores, scars, and dark spots, mainly on the face, shoulders, and chest.Sometimes, they pick so much that there are no pimples left, just the damage from the picking.

Acne excoriee, also known as Acné excoriée des jeunes filles or picker's acne, is characterized by self-inflicted skin wounds resulting from excessive scratching or squeezing of acne lesions. This behavior often leads to inflammation, larger wounds, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, primarily affecting the face, shoulders, and chest. While individuals with acne excoriee are often aware of their picking behavior, they may not always readily admit to it.The condition can range from occasional picking of pimples to severe excoriation where no active acne spots are present, only scratch marks, sores, pigmentation, and scars. It's important to distinguish between acne excoriee, where primary acne lesions may or may not be present, and other forms of acne like acne vulgaris or acne conglobata.

Example 1: A 25-year-old female presents with numerous excoriated papules and scars on her face and shoulders, consistent with a history of picking at her acne. She acknowledges picking at her skin but minimizes the extent. Diagnosis: L70.5 Acne excoriee., A teenage boy presents with inflamed acne lesions on his face and back, several of which are excoriated due to scratching. He admits to picking and scratching at the pimples due to self-consciousness. Diagnosis: L70.5 Acne excoriee, in addition to the underlying acne (e.g., L70.0 Acne vulgaris)., A 40-year-old woman presents with very few active acne lesions but exhibits numerous excoriations, scars, and areas of hyperpigmentation on her face. She reports a history of compulsive skin picking, specifically targeting any perceived imperfections, including acne.Diagnosis: L70.5 Acne excoriee.

Documentation for acne excoriee should include the type of lesions (excoriations, scars, pigmentation changes), the location of the lesions, and evidence of picking behavior. It should also describe the presence or absence of primary acne lesions. If underlying acne is present, it should be documented with the appropriate ICD-10-CM code (e.g., L70.0 for acne vulgaris).

  • Specialties:Dermatology, Psychiatry
  • Place of Service:Office
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