A citric acid containing dressing for treating a tissue site with negative pressure may comprise a cover, a manifold, and a perforated polymer film and/or a sealing layer. The sealing layer can be a perforated silicone gel having a treatment aperture. The dressing can further contain an adhesive. The cover, the manifold, and the perforated polymer film and/or the sealing layer may be assembled in a stacked relationship with the cover and the sealing layer enclosing the manifold. Citric acid may be present on or incorporated in, for example, the perforated polymer film and/or the sealing layer.