Hyperkeratosis of yaws

This code represents a specific manifestation of yaws, a chronic tropical infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum pertenue. Hyperkeratosis of yaws refers to the excessive thickening of the skin, particularly on the palms and soles, which can lead to painful fissures and deformities. It is a late-stage or tertiary manifestation of the disease.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states hyperkeratosis as a feature of yaws infection. This typically occurs in patients presenting with chronic skin lesions, often in endemic areas, following an initial or secondary yaws infection. Supporting documentation should include a diagnosis of yaws and a description of the hyperkeratotic skin changes.

• Ensure the documentation clearly links the hyperkeratosis to yaws, rather than other causes of hyperkeratosis.
• Do not confuse this with hyperkeratosis due to other dermatological conditions; the etiology must be yaws.
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary yaws infection code (A66.x) if the hyperkeratosis is a manifestation of an active infection.