An adhesive hydrogel dressing as well as methods of applying the dressing to a patient. 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. A release element is in contact with at least a portion of the edge of the hydrogel pad proximate the area that the hydrogel pad and release liner separate during liner removal.