Secondary wound dressings for securing primary dressings and managing fluid from wounds, and methods of using same

An apparatus for protecting a region of compromised skin, the apparatus comprising:

• a primary dressing configured for application over the region of compromised skin, the primary dressing comprising fluid-absorbing material;
• and
• a secondary dressing configured for application over the primary dressing,
• the secondary dressing configured to apply pressure to the primary dressing so as to maintain the primary dressing in place over the region of compromised skin and so as to promote the flow of fluid from the region of compromised skin into the fluid-absorbing material,
• the secondary dressing further configured to allow moisture in the fluid to evaporate from the fluid-absorbing material,
• wherein the secondary dressing comprises a fabric layer and a biocompatible adhesive layer, the adhesive layer disposed along a periphery of the fabric layer and configured to secure the fabric layer over the primary dressing,
• wherein the secondary dressing further comprises a foam layer disposed between the fabric layer and the biocompatible adhesive layer, the foam layer having an aperture therein, the aperture being larger than the primary dressing.