Wounds and temporary appliances can be protected against liquid contamination using a prophylactic dressing. The dressing includes a liquid resistant sheet and disposed thereon a first liquid barrier/adhesive strip and a second liquid barrier/adhesive strip wherein the first and second liquid barrier/adhesive strips are concentric; located at or near the periphery of the liquid resistant sheet; and are separated from one another by a gap. Adsorbent's and liquid indicators can be employed within the gap to add further functionality to the dressing. Also disclosed herein is a support useful for stabilizing leads to transcutaneous or percutaneous devices.