An adhesive dressing that reduces the leakage of wound exudate from the dressing, comprising an adhesive-coated backing sheet and an absorbent island adhered to said adhesive-coated backing sheet by said adhesive, having a first end and a second end, wherein the absorption capacity of the absorbent island is higher at the first end than at the second end. The adhesive dressing of the invention provides extended wear time for the dressing when it is applied to wounds.
