An underpad including a top fabric layer constructed of a therapeutic
fabric for the prevention and treatment of skin wounds, and pressure
wounds in particular, is disclosed. The underpad also includes an
absorbent middle layer and liquid impermeable bottom layer. The
therapeutic fabric includes warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide
a smooth fabric surface. One of the warp or filling yarns is at least
about 40% by weight of the therapeutic fabric of continuous filament
nylon, and the other of the warp or filling yarns is from about 0% to
about 60% by weight of the therapeutic fabric of continuous filament
polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections. The
therapeutic fabric includes a conductive yarn at about 1% to about 2% by
weight to control static dissipation, and an antimicrobial substance is
topically applied or inherently available in the therapeutic fabric. A
method of preventing and treating skin wounds, and pressure wounds in
particular, is also disclosed.