ICD-10 Code L24.A1 – Irritant contact dermatitis due to saliva (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L24.A1 – Irritant contact dermatitis due to saliva
What it is
L24.A1 identifies irritant contact dermatitis caused by saliva. Use it when skin inflammation is directly linked to repeated or prolonged saliva exposure, such as drooling or frequent wetting of the skin.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include red, irritated, dry, or cracked skin at the contact site. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the exact area and whether the dermatitis is localized or more widespread.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents irritant dermatitis from saliva, including perioral, chin, neck, or skin-fold irritation from drooling. It is appropriate when saliva is the stated cause and the record supports an irritant, not allergic, process.
If the note only says “rash” or “skin irritation” without a cause, check documentation before coding L24.A1. You should also confirm the site of involvement when it is relevant to the encounter.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for allergic contact dermatitis, infection, or nonspecific dermatitis without a saliva-related cause. Check documentation if the record suggests another exposure or an uncertain diagnosis.
Coding tip
Code L24.A1 only when saliva is explicitly documented as the irritant; otherwise, query for the cause.