Folliculitis in the calf area may appear clinically as scattered, or densely distributed, inflammatory papules of follicular consistency, which may be surrounded by a red and swollen inflammatory reaction. If the inflammation is severe and the swelling is very pronounced, hard nodules may form and small pustules may be seen at the top of the rash, some of which may break down to form purulent exudates and crusts. If the inflammation is not significantly relieved, it can cause local lymph node swelling and generalized hyperthermia. If adjacent follicular inflammatory papules fuse with each other, they can form large nodules or cysts, or even sinus tracts.