A wound dressing including an absorbent core defining opposed proximal and distal surfaces and at least one receptacle formed therein. The at least one receptacle opening at the distal surface of the absorbent core and extending a distance into the thickness of the absorbent core. The at least one receptacle contains a discrete portion of absorbent material. The absorbent core may include a plurality of discrete hydrophilic particulates enmeshed therein. The wound dressing may include an elastomeric gel layer and a liquid impervious, vapor permeable backing layer connected to the absorbent core.