Painful red bumps on knuckles. happening on &off for years.what could this be? it doesn't itch, its not dry skin, nor is it hard in nature.

Painful red bumps: There are several different causes for painful red bumps on the knuckles. The condition needs to be evaluated by a physician in order to come to a correct diagnosis. Treatment depends on the diagnosis.

Possibly eczema: Dermatology relies on visual clues more than any other field. Several diagnoses come to mind, but small details in the presentation will define the lesion.