Reye first described it in 1965 as a recurring digital fibrous tumor. The etiology of this condition is unknown.
Nodules are often multiple and recurrence is common after excision.
Rarely do the lesions cause functional impairment or deformity, but have ulcerated in some instances. Males and females are equally affected. Reports of IDF developing in older children and adults are rare. Patients are asymptomatic, without associated systemic symptoms. They can grow to 2 centimeters in size, yet rarely cause functional impairment or deformity.