A sterile, transparent covering that is permeable to fluids intended to be applied to wounded or diseased tissue to provide protection (e.g., from dirt, microbes) and/or promote healing. It is a thin, clear, hydrophilic membrane made of synthetic polymer (e.g., polyurethane based) without an adhesive. It is applied directly to tissue to protect and/or help heal (e.g., as a synthetic skin) burns, skin-graft donor sites, ulcers, laser resurfacing sites, or other partial-thickness wounds. Its permeability allows the passage of wound exudates without removal; the device may be perforated (e.g., meshed) for increased permeability for highly-exudative wounds. This is a single-use device.