Scar or keloid formation may result from surgical intervention. Tendon tethering, another surgical complication, occurs only if the joint space or capsule is accidentally cut with damage to the tendon in the attempt to remove the knuckle pad. The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and prevent complications. Keratolytics - Cause cornified epithelium to swell, soften, macerate, and then desquamate. By dissolving the intercellular cement substance, produces desquamation of the horny layer of skin, while not affecting structure of viable epidermis.
Most knuckle pads are asymptomatic and require no treatment.
Spontaneous resolution can occur, especially if an inciting repetitive injury is identified and eliminated. In most cases, knuckle pads persist indefinitely with little change. Knuckle pads causing extensor tendon tethering. Knuckle pads, leukonychia and deafness. A dominantly inherited syndrome.