A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a periphery surrounding a central portion and a plurality of apertures disposed through the periphery and the central portion. The apertures in the periphery may be larger than the apertures in the central portion. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.