The present invention generally relates to a medical dressing for prevention of pressure ulcers. The dressing comprises a backing layer, a pad, and a body contact layer, wherein the pad is arranged between the backing layer and the body contact layer. The body contact layer comprises an adhesive skin contact layer and an anisotropic layer having a first (x) direction and a second (y) direction perpendicular to the first (x) direction. The anisotropic layer is stiffer in the second (y) direction than in the first (x) direction. The dressing reduces shear and compression forces on the skin and in the underlying soft tissue layers and prevents the onset of pressure ulcers.