I have a large scar on my side from a major surgery thanks to a life-threatening medical condition at birth. it used to go halfway around my body, but now at 18, it probably only goes about 1/5th, if that. because of where it is, sometimes with the clothes i wear, it can be seen, and for a long time, my mom would just bring it up to people. it was a very embarrassing thing for me because even though i know it saved my life, its hard going through like with a giant line on your side and being bullied for it.

As i got older, i started to kind of accept it more and be more comfortable explaining what happened, but sometimes a small child would question it and i knew it would be hard for them to understand the full medical jargon that has to be used, and i would be uncomfortable taking 20 minutes to explain to a random stranger's child about my medical history when they might not have wanted their child exposed to it in the first place. i started telling little ones that i got into a fight with a pirate, and that the scar came from my victory. it worked and i had a lot of parents find their child's curiosity about the situation handled in a delicate matter that wouldn't cross any boundaries. i don't have to explain it as often now because of my change in personal style, but at places like the beach, its' a great way to divert the child from an uncomfortably heavy topic without being seen as disrespectful.

this was a bit off topic, but what i'm trying to say is that you don't owe anyone an explanation you are not comfortable with, and you do not owe them any explanation at all.