Unsp contact dermatitis due to food in contact with skin

This code represents an inflammatory skin reaction resulting from direct contact with food substances, where the specific type of contact dermatitis is not documented. It indicates an allergic or irritant response manifesting as erythema, pruritus, vesicles, or papules on the skin surface. The causative agent is identified generally as food, but the precise food item is unknown or unspecified.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates contact dermatitis caused by food touching the skin, but the specific type of contact dermatitis (e.g., allergic, irritant) is not specified by the provider. This code is appropriate when the patient presents with symptoms of contact dermatitis and reports direct skin exposure to food, such as a chef developing a rash on their hands after handling various ingredients. Documentation should confirm the external contact with food as the etiology.

• Do not use this code if the dermatitis is due to ingested food; refer to the Excludes2 note for L27.2.
• If the specific type of contact dermatitis (e.g., allergic, irritant) is documented, use a more specific code from the L23 or L24 series.
• Ensure documentation specifies "contact with skin" to differentiate from systemic reactions to ingested food.