ICD-10 Code L85.3 – Xerosis cutis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L85.3 – Xerosis cutis
What it is
Xerosis cutis means dry skin. It is used when the skin lacks normal moisture and appears rough, flaky, or cracked.
Clinical signs
Common findings include diffuse dryness, scaling, itching, and fine fissures. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation if the note does not clearly describe xerosis.
When to use this code
Use L85.3 when the provider documents xerosis cutis, dry skin, or generalized skin dryness as the diagnosis. It can also fit when dry skin is the main reason for evaluation or treatment, and no more specific skin disorder is documented.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for eczema, ichthyosis, or other specific keratinization disorders unless the record also states xerosis. Check documentation when dryness is only a symptom of another condition.
Coding tip
Code the documented skin condition as written, and query if the note says only “dry skin” without confirming xerosis cutis.