The present invention generally relates to a medical dressing for prevention of pressure ulcers. The dressing comprises a gel pad having a low compressive strength; i.e. from 5 kPa to 60 kPa at a strain of 50%, as measured by the compression test described in the specification. The dressing reduces the shear and compression forces on the skin and in the underlying the soft tissue layers and prevents or mitigates the onset of pressure ulcers.