Photocontact dermatitis [berloque dermatitis]

This code describes an inflammatory skin reaction resulting from exposure to light after contact with a photosensitizing substance. It is a specific type of contact dermatitis where light, typically ultraviolet (UV) radiation, triggers or exacerbates the allergic or irritant response. Berloque dermatitis, a form of photocontact dermatitis caused by furocoumarins in perfumes or cosmetics, is explicitly included.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a dermatitis caused by the interaction of a substance applied to the skin and subsequent light exposure. This includes reactions to perfumes, sunscreens, medications, or plants that become phototoxic or photoallergic upon UV exposure. Documentation should specify the role of light in the dermatitic process.

• Differentiate from other forms of contact dermatitis where light is not a causative factor.
• Do not use for sunburn (L55.-) or other non-contact light-induced dermatoses.
• Consider an external cause code (e.g., W89.0XXA for exposure to sunlight) if the specific substance is not identified but the light exposure is documented.