Abstract: An occlusive dressing consisting essentially of a soft, pliant, fluid absorbent and swellable adhesive barrier layer, a thin elastomeric backing layer along one side of the barrier layer, and a removable release sheet covering the opposite skin-contacting surface of the barrier layer. The release sheet is divided into at least two separable sections, adjacent sections being disposed along opposite sides of a predetermined line of separation. Each line of separation is defined by a series of alternating slits and connecting segments with the opposing edges of the slits normally held in contiguous relation by the connecting segments at the ends of the slits. At least one of the sections has a visible locator stripe extending along the line of separation for indicating the location of that line as a user prepares to separate the sections and peel them away from the barrier layer for purposes of applying the dressing.