Which area of the body is NOT commonly affected by primary blast injuries?

Primary blast injuries result from the shock wave created by an explosion. This type of injury primarily affects air-filled organs and tissues due to the high-speed pressure wave. The lungs are highly susceptible to blast injuries, as the wave can cause pulmonary contusions, barotrauma, and other disruptions in lung function.

The middle ear is also commonly affected because its structure allows the shockwave to create significant negative pressure, leading to tympanic membrane perforation and inner ear damage. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract can be impacted by blast waves, especially since it is also filled with gas and can be subjected to similar trauma mechanisms as the lungs.

In contrast, the skin is generally not considered a primary site of injury from the blast wave itself. While it may sustain secondary or tertiary injuries from shrapnel or blast effects, skin does not have the same vulnerability to primary blast injuries as the air-filled organs do. The primary blast wave tends to either bypass solid tissue or create injuries in a different pathophysiological manner, making the skin the area least affected by primary blast injuries.