A wound dressing including a composite body of predetermined length adapted for insertion into a wound cavity. The composite body includes a hydrophilic foam matrix. A first layer of polymer-based mesh is disposed at a first position within the foam matrix and at least a second layer of polymer-based mesh is disposed at a second position within the foam matrix in spaced apart opposing relation to the first layer of polymer-based mesh. The first layer of polymer-based mesh and the second layer of polymer-based mesh are in sandwiching relation to a foam core. The wound dressing provides among other advantages strength and substantially enhanced wicking action.
