A patient using albuterol (a corticosteroid-containing inhaler) presents with a white plaque on the palate that can be wiped off, leaving a red, bleeding base. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Patients using inhaled corticosteroids (such as corticosteroid-containing inhalers prescribed for asthma) are at risk for oropharyngeal candidiasis because topical corticosteroids suppress local immunity. Oral candidiasis (thrush) presents as white, removable plaques on the palate, tongue, or buccal mucosa that leave a red, erythematous or bleeding base when wiped off. Management includes antifungal therapy (nystatin oral rinse or clotrimazole troches) and advising the patient to rinse their mouth with water after each inhaler use to reduce residual steroid deposition.