Abstract: A wound dressing comprises an absorbent material and a surface layer of a non-absorbent wet laid apertured fabric having a smooth substantially planar surface. The non-absorbent apertured fabric preferably serves to present a soft smooth surface to the wound, maximizing conformability to the wound and minimizing any possibility of adherence of the dressing to the latter. Absorption of exudate from the wound by the absorbent material takes place largely through the apertures in the fabric. The fabric is preferably rendered non-absorbent by a coating of an acrylic latex.