Dupuytren's disease is a thickening and shortening of tissue under the skin in the palm of your hand. It often affects the ring and small fingers, usually of both hands. In most cases it gets worse slowly, and it may never cause major problems. If it does get worse, your fingers may bend toward your palm, and it may be hard to use your hands. The disease can cause your fingers to bend so you can't straighten them. This is called a contracture.