The present invention relates to an irrigation dressing, comprising a first body (5) of a soft, liquid-permeable material, at least one connection (8) for the supply of fluid, at least one connection (9) for the drainage of fluid, an airtight and liquid-tight covering layer (10) of flexible material, which covers said material body and extends outside the sides thereof, and an element (2, 3) for affixing the area of the covering layer that extends outside the contour of the first material body to the skin, the first material body facing the wound bed (W) when the dressing is applied. According to the invention the element (2, 3) for affixing said area to the skin includes a layer (3) of a soft, skin-friendly adhesive, which affords sealing against micro-leakage. The invention also relates to a method of applying such a dressing.