A system for treating a tissue site of a patient, comprising: a dressing, comprising: a dressing bolster having a first side and a second side, the first side facing opposite the second side, wherein the first side of the dressing bolster is adapted to be positioned facing the tissue site, a retention pouch positioned proximate to the second side of the dressing bolster, the retention pouch adapted to retain a fluid and comprising a first permeable layer, a second permeable layer, and an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core is encapsulated between the first and the second permeable layer, a sealing member adapted to cover the retention pouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of an epidermis of the patient proximate to the tissue site, the sealing member having a sealing member aperture, and an interface coupled to the sealing member, the interface in fluid communication with the dressing through the sealing member aperture; a reduced-pressure source; and a delivery conduit for fluidly coupling the reduced-pressure source to the interface, characterised in that the dressing bolster and the retention pouch provide fluid communication between the interface and the tissue site, and wherein when the retention pouch has reached a maximum fluid capacity, the interface is in fluid communication with the tissue site at least through an edge of the dressing bolster. a dressing, comprising: a dressing bolster having a first side and a second side, the first side facing opposite the second side, wherein the first side of the dressing bolster is adapted to be positioned facing the tissue site, a retention pouch positioned proximate to the second side of the dressing bolster, the retention pouch adapted to retain a fluid and comprising a first permeable layer, a second permeable layer, and an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core is encapsulated between the first and the second permeable layer, a sealing member adapted to cover the retention pouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of an epidermis of the patient proximate to the tissue site, the sealing member having a sealing member aperture, and an interface coupled to the sealing member, the interface in fluid communication with the dressing through the sealing member aperture; a dressing bolster having a first side and a second side, the first side facing opposite the second side, wherein the first side of the dressing bolster is adapted to be positioned facing the tissue site, a retention pouch positioned proximate to the second side of the dressing bolster, the retention pouch adapted to retain a fluid and comprising a first permeable layer, a second permeable layer, and an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core is encapsulated between the first and the second permeable layer, a sealing member adapted to cover the retention pouch, the dressing bolster, and a portion of an epidermis of the patient proximate to the tissue site, the sealing member having a sealing member aperture, and an interface coupled to the sealing member, the interface in fluid communication with the dressing through the sealing member aperture; a reduced-pressure source; and a delivery conduit for fluidly coupling the reduced-pressure source to the interface, characterised in that the dressing bolster and the retention pouch provide fluid communication between the interface and the tissue site, and wherein when the retention pouch has reached a maximum fluid capacity, the interface is in fluid communication with the tissue site at least through an edge of the dressing bolster.