COATING USEFUL AS A DISPENSER OF AN ACTIVE INGREDIENT ON DRESSINGS AND BANDAGES

The dressings of the invention comprise at least two components: an absorben t substrate having a first skin-facing surface and a second opposing surface; and a discontinuous coating of a semi-solid composition having an ointment- like feel overlying a portion of the first surface of said absorbent substrate. The absorbent substrate is useful as a passive dispenser of at least one active ingredient that may be contained therein. The discontinuous coating is essentially non-adherent to the skin and is useful as an active dispenser of at least one active ingredient that may be contained therein. I n preferred embodiments the dressing of the invention contains at least one an d more preferably at least two active ingredients intended to provide therapeutic benefit to the skin.