What L55 covers · when clinicians use it
ICD-10 code L55 identifies Sunburn in the U.S. ICD-10-CM clinical and billing record set. It sits within the Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue chapter (L00–L99), the section that groups related diagnoses so providers, payers, and public-health agencies report them consistently. Clinicians and medical coders apply L55 when an encounter's findings match the Sunburn description, attaching it to the patient record so downstream insurance claims, payer audits, quality reporting, and epidemiological surveillance all reference the same standardized diagnosis. The ICD-10-CM is maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, with an updated official code set released each U.S. fiscal year — always verify L55 against the current CMS/CDC release and your payer's documentation guidance before final use. This page summarizes documentation context for L55 and is a coding reference, not clinical, diagnostic, or billing advice.
L55 refers to Sunburn, encompassing skin and subcutaneous tissue damage resulting from ultraviolet (UV) or ionizing radiation. These disorders may result from sun exposure, phototherapy, radiation therapy, or chronic environmental exposure.
Symptoms
- Redness and pain – Common in sunburn (L55)
- Swelling or blistering – Seen in acute UV injuries (L56)
- Thickened, leathery skin – Associated with chronic exposure (L57)
- Peeling or dryness – May follow both L55 and L58 cases
- Skin ulceration or pigmentation – Found in radiodermatitis (L58)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Sunburn is based on patient history (sun exposure, radiation therapy), clinical examination, and occasionally skin biopsy for chronic or unusual presentations. Timing, location, and exposure patterns help determine the type and severity.
ICD10 Code Usage
ICD10 code L55 is used by dermatologists, oncologists, radiologists, and emergency physicians. It supports billing for topical treatment, photodamage assessment, radiotherapy complications, and preventive counseling.
Related Codes
- L56 – Other acute skin changes due to ultraviolet radiation
- L57 – Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation
- L58 – Radiodermatitis
- L59 – Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue related to radiation
FAQs
Q1: What is ICD10 code L55?
A: It refers to Sunburn, a skin disorder caused by short- or long-term exposure to UV or ionizing radiation.
Q2: What’s the difference between L55 and L56?
A: L55 specifically refers to sunburn, while L56 includes other acute UV injuries like photodermatitis or artificial UV reactions.
Q3: What causes chronic radiation damage (L57)?
A: Prolonged sun exposure or occupational UV radiation can lead to actinic keratosis and elastosis, categorized under L57.
Q4: Who gets radiodermatitis (L58)?
A: Patients undergoing radiotherapy for cancer often experience L58 symptoms such as redness, peeling, or skin breakdown at the treatment site.
Q5: How are these conditions treated?
A: Treatments may include cooling agents, corticosteroids, wound care, and avoiding further radiation or UV exposure.
Conclusion
ICD10 code L55 aids in accurate documentation and management of Sunburn, improving outcomes through early intervention, proper treatment, and patient education about radiation-induced skin damage.