A wound dressing having a dressing layer covered by protective cover layer and a release sheet. The dressing has an adhesive composition on a skin-contacting surface. The adhesive composition comprises a highly water-absorbable material (e.g. hydrocolloid), an acrylic adhesive and a tackifier. The composition provides extended stay-on capabilities. The composition also provides an adhesive that is removed from the skin with little pain to the on the skin.
