ICD-10 Code L03.21 – Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of face (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L03.21 – Cellulitis and acute lymphangitis of face
What it is
L03.21 identifies cellulitis or acute lymphangitis affecting the face. Use it when documentation shows a bacterial soft tissue infection of facial skin or superficial lymphatic channels.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include localized facial redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and sometimes streaking consistent with lymphangitis. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cellulitis of the face, including cheek, forehead, eyelid area, or other facial skin, without a more specific site code. It also fits acute lymphangitis of the face when that is the documented diagnosis. If the record only says “facial infection,” check documentation before assigning L03.21.
Do not use for
Do not use L03.21 for abscess, erysipelas, dermatitis, or noninfectious facial swelling. If the infection site is elsewhere on the body, choose the code for that documented location.
Coding tip
Code the most specific documented facial site and confirm whether cellulitis, lymphangitis, or both are stated.