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L02.8 – Cutaneous Abscess Other Sites | ICD-10
L02.8 is the ICD-10 code for a cutaneous abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle at other specified sites. It describes a localized bacterial skin infection.
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L02.8 is the ICD-10 code for a cutaneous abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle at other specified sites. It describes a localized bacterial skin infection.
What Does ICD-10 Code L02.8 Mean?
The ICD-10 code L02.8 refers to a cutaneous abscess, furuncle, or carbuncle at other specified sites. This code is used when a purulent skin infection occurs at a body location not covered by the other, more specific subcodes within the L02 group. An abscess is a localized collection of pus within the skin or soft tissue, resulting from a bacterial infection and the body's immune response.
Causes
Skin abscesses are typically caused by bacteria entering the skin through a break in the surface. The most common pathogens include:
- Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA strains)
- Streptococcal species
- Less commonly: gram-negative bacteria or anaerobes
Contributing risk factors include minor skin injuries, hair follicle inflammation, a weakened immune system, diabetes mellitus, and poor hygiene.
Symptoms
The typical signs of a cutaneous abscess are:
- Painful, swollen, and reddened area of skin
- A palpable, soft swelling with fluctuation (a feeling of fluid beneath the skin)
- Warmth and tenderness over the affected site
- A visible yellowish-white purulent center
- In more severe cases: fever and general malaise
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a skin abscess is primarily clinical, based on visual inspection and physical examination by a physician. In cases of uncertainty or for deeper abscesses, ultrasound imaging can be a helpful tool. A swab or culture of the pus may be taken to identify the causative organism and determine antibiotic sensitivity (susceptibility testing), particularly in recurrent or treatment-resistant cases.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the abscess:
- Incision and drainage: The primary treatment is surgical opening and irrigation of the abscess cavity to allow pus to drain.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotic therapy (e.g., flucloxacillin, clindamycin, or cotrimoxazole for suspected MRSA) is added in extensive, complicated, or immunocompromised cases.
- Wound care: After drainage, regular wound monitoring and dressing changes are performed until complete healing.
With appropriate treatment, skin abscesses typically resolve completely. Recurrent abscesses should prompt investigation for an underlying condition such as diabetes mellitus or an immune deficiency.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Volume 1. Chapter XII: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (L00–L99), Block L02.
- 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.
- Schmitz G.R. et al.: Randomized controlled trial of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for uncomplicated skin abscesses in patients at risk for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 2010;56(3):283–287.
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