ICD-10 Code H60.54 – Acute eczematoid otitis externa (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.54 – Acute eczematoid otitis externa
What it is
H60.54 identifies acute eczematoid otitis externa, an inflammatory skin condition of the external ear canal. It refers to an eczema-like irritation affecting the outer ear passage, not the middle ear.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include itching, redness, scaling, and irritation of the ear canal or surrounding ear skin. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation if the note does not clearly describe an eczematoid pattern.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute eczematoid otitis externa, eczema of the ear canal, or a similar inflammatory dermatitis of the external ear with acute symptoms. Apply it only when the condition is specifically identified in the record. If the note is nonspecific, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use H60.54 for otitis media, swimmer’s ear without eczematoid features, or other ear canal disorders that are not eczema-like. Check documentation if the diagnosis is unclear.
Coding tip
Code from the provider’s exact wording; “ear itching” alone is not enough without documentation of acute eczematoid otitis externa.