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 . <EOS>