An absorbent layer for moderating blood flow from a wound has a non-woven fabric layer of water-insoluble chitosan fibers having a coating of water-absorbent starch on at least one face of the fabric layer. The coating of water-absorbent starch penetrates into the fabric layer from a first surface over the chitosan fibers to a depth of at least 25% of the fabric layer of chitosan fibers. The chitosan fibers have average diameters of from 5 to 30 micrometers. The average weight of starch/chitosan may decrease from the first surface from which the starch has penetrated into the fabric to the depth of at least 50% of the fabric layer. The starch may be modified to include hydrophilic groups into or onto molecular chains of the starch.
