Irritant contact dermatitis due to metals

This code signifies an inflammatory skin reaction caused by direct contact with metallic substances that irritate the skin, rather than triggering an allergic response. It presents as redness, itching, burning, and sometimes blistering or scaling in the area of contact.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a non-allergic, irritant-type contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to metals. This typically occurs with prolonged or repeated exposure to metallic objects like jewelry, tools, or industrial chemicals containing metals, and is supported by a history of exposure and clinical presentation.

• Differentiate carefully between irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis; the latter requires a different code.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "irritant" and identifies the metal as the causative agent.
• Do not use this code if the reaction is determined to be an allergic response to a metal (e.g., nickel allergy).