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L08.1 Erythrasma: ICD-10 Code Explained
L08.1 is the ICD-10 code for erythrasma, a superficial bacterial skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, presenting with reddish-brown skin patches.
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L08.1 is the ICD-10 code for erythrasma, a superficial bacterial skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, presenting with reddish-brown skin patches.
What is L08.1 (Erythrasma)?
L08.1 is the diagnostic code from the ICD-10 classification system (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) and refers to erythrasma. This is a superficial, chronic bacterial skin infection caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum. The condition primarily affects skin folds and moist areas of the body, such as the groin, armpits, toe webs, and the area beneath the breasts.
Causes
Erythrasma is caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, a gram-positive rod-shaped bacterium that is part of the normal skin flora. Under certain conditions, it can proliferate excessively and cause infection. Predisposing factors include:
- Warmth and moisture in skin folds
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Obesity
- Diabetes mellitus
- A weakened immune system
- Tight, non-breathable clothing
- Poor skin hygiene
Symptoms
The characteristic signs and symptoms of erythrasma include:
- Reddish-brown to brick-red skin patches with irregular borders
- Mildly scaly or wrinkled surface of affected skin areas
- Itching (pruritus), usually mild
- Often an asymptomatic course with no complaints
- Common locations: groin, armpits, toe webs, and other skin folds
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of erythrasma is typically made through clinical examination. A key diagnostic tool is the Wood lamp (UV lamp): under ultraviolet light, the affected skin areas show a characteristic coral-red fluorescence, produced by coproporphyrin III generated by the bacteria. If needed, a skin swab or biopsy may be taken for microbiological analysis.
Treatment
Erythrasma responds well to treatment. Therapeutic approaches include:
Topical Therapy
- Erythromycin cream or gel (topical antibiotic)
- Clindamycin lotion
- Azole antifungals such as miconazole or clotrimazole (when concurrent fungal infection is present)
- Fusidic acid preparations
Systemic Therapy
- Oral erythromycin or clarithromycin for extensive infection or when topical treatment is insufficient
General Measures
- Careful skin hygiene and keeping affected areas dry
- Wearing breathable clothing
- Optimal management of diabetes mellitus
- Weight loss in cases of obesity
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10), Code L08.1 Erythrasma.
- Hay R.J. et al.: Skin infections. In: Griffiths C. et al. (Eds.): Rook's Textbook of Dermatology. 9th Edition, Wiley-Blackwell, 2016.
- James W.D., Elston D.M., Treat J.R.: Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th Edition, Elsevier, 2019.
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