DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am on dialysis three days a week for kidney failure. I have what’s called an AV fistula in my upper left arm, which is my access site for dialysis.

Because I have been on dialysis for 11 years, my access site has two large bumps from repeated needle sticks, in addition to a scar from the crook of my arm to just below my shoulder.

When I wear short-sleeve shirts (which is year-round, since I live in the desert), I often get stares, which is fine; people can look at whatever they would like. However, I do get comments along the lines of, “What happened to your arm?” or worse, “What’s wrong with your arm?”

When I’m feeling instructive, sometimes I will patiently explain about dialysis, then wait for the “sorry I asked” look. When I’m not feeling instructive, I usually look at my right arm, which is perfectly average, and ask what they mean. Sometimes that deflects the question, sometimes not.

Is there a better way to handle these types of questions while maintaining some degree of good humor? I don’t want to be rude and say it’s none of their business.

GENTLE READER: The polite way to say “none of your business” is, “Thank you, but you needn’t concern yourself.”

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.