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L02.3 – Abscess, Furuncle & Carbuncle of Buttock
L02.3 is an ICD-10 code for cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of the buttock. These bacterial skin infections cause pain and swelling and often require medical treatment.
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L02.3 is an ICD-10 code for cutaneous abscess, furuncle and carbuncle of the buttock. These bacterial skin infections cause pain and swelling and often require medical treatment.
What Does ICD-10 Code L02.3 Mean?
The ICD-10 code L02.3 refers to cutaneous abscess, furuncle, and carbuncle of the buttock. This diagnosis covers purulent (pus-forming) infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue located in the buttock region. The structures affected include hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and surrounding connective tissue. The code belongs to the ICD-10 diagnostic group L00–L08 (Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue).
Types of Conditions Covered
Cutaneous Abscess
A cutaneous abscess is a localized collection of pus within the skin tissue. It develops as a result of a bacterial infection and is surrounded by a wall of inflamed tissue. The affected area appears red, swollen, warm, and tender to the touch.
Furuncle (Boil)
A furuncle, commonly known as a boil, is a deep, purulent infection of a hair follicle and the surrounding tissue. It begins as a firm, red nodule and matures into a pus-filled pustule. In the buttock region, furuncles are often triggered by friction, sweating, and tight clothing.
Carbuncle
A carbuncle is a cluster of several interconnected furuncles that extend more deeply into the tissue and affect a larger area. It is more painful than a single furuncle and may be accompanied by fever and general malaise.
Causes
The most common cause of conditions classified under L02.3 is infection with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, occasionally other bacterial species. Contributing risk factors include:
- Friction and pressure from tight clothing or prolonged sitting
- Excessive sweating and poor hygiene
- Shaving in the buttock area
- Diabetes mellitus and other conditions that weaken the immune system
- Obesity
- Carriage of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
Symptoms
Typical symptoms associated with L02.3 include:
- Painful, red nodule or swelling in the buttock area
- Warmth and tenderness at the site of infection
- A yellowish-white pus head visible at the skin surface
- Possible spontaneous drainage of pus
- In carbuncles: fever, chills, and general feeling of illness
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made through clinical examination. The physician assesses the affected skin area visually and by palpation. If needed, a wound swab may be taken for microbiological analysis to identify the causative organism and determine antibiotic resistance (e.g., MRSA). In cases of extensive involvement or suspected deep tissue infection, an ultrasound examination may be performed.
Treatment
Conservative Measures
Small furuncles can be treated with moist heat (e.g., warm compresses) to promote maturation and encourage spontaneous drainage. Important: Squeezing or lancing furuncles at home is not recommended, as this can deepen or spread the infection.
Surgical Treatment
Larger abscesses and carbuncles require incision and drainage performed by a medical professional. The pus is evacuated and the wound cavity is cleared. In some cases, wound packing may be placed to support healing.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are often not necessary for simple abscesses following incision and drainage. They are indicated when:
- The infection is extensive or involves a carbuncle
- Fever or systemic signs of infection are present
- The patient is immunocompromised
- MRSA is detected (requiring specifically effective antibiotics)
When to See a Doctor
Medical attention should be sought in the following situations:
- The abscess grows larger or does not improve within a few days
- Fever or general feeling of illness develops
- Red streaks spread from the site of infection (possible lymphangitis)
- A known immune disorder or diabetes mellitus is present
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Volume 1, Chapter XII – Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00–L99).
- Stevens D.L. et al.: Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2014; 59(2):e10–e52.
- Habif T.P.: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. Elsevier, 6th edition.
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