An adhesive hydrogel dressing as well as to methods of applying the dressing to a patient is described. The dressing generally comprises an adhesive hydrogel pad, a backing layer, and an adhesive layer on the backing layer facing the hydrogel pad. The adhesive layer and backing layer form a perimeter around the hydrogel pad and hold the hydrogel pad in place on an application surface. The adhesive hydrogel pad is formed with at least a portion of the perimeter of the hydrogel pad tapered proximate the area that the hydrogel pad and release liner separate during liner removal.