ICD-10 Code L03.811 – Cellulitis of head [any part, except face] (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L03.811 – Cellulitis of head [any part, except face]
What it is
L03.811 identifies cellulitis affecting the scalp or other nonfacial parts of the head. It describes a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, not an abscess or a facial skin infection.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include localized redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes pain over the involved head area. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for fever, drainage, or extent of spread.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents cellulitis on the head but specifically excludes the face. It fits notes describing scalp cellulitis, infected skin of the skull region, or similar nonfacial head involvement. If the record does not clearly distinguish the site, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use L03.811 for cellulitis of the face, abscesses, or other skin infections with a different site or type. If the documentation only says “head” without clarifying location, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm that the infection is on the head and not the face, because site specificity determines the correct code.