A wound dressing includes an absorbent core having opposed proximal and distal surfaces including central and border portions, and a discrete skin adherent, elastomeric gel facing layer having a distal surface secured to the proximal surface of the absorbent core and a plurality of through extending apertures arranged in a pattern. A pressure sensitive adhesive layer is applied to the facing layer on at least a segment of a proximal surface opposed to the distal surface thereof. The adhesive layer has greater skin adherence properties than the elastomeric gel of the facing layer.