Gynaecologists have issued a warning after a woman received severe second-degree burns on her vagina when she tried out the controversial vaginal steaming procedure, the BBC reports.
The procedure, which was once endorsed by Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand GOOP, left the Canadian woman in utter agony.
The unidentified 62-year-old was suffering from vaginal prolapse and was advised by a traditional Chinese doctor to treat the condition by sitting over boiling water infused with a herb mix for 20 minutes.
This particular case was reported in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada.
"Clinicians need to be aware of alternative treatments available to women so that counselling may mitigate any potential harm," the report reads.
Dr Magali Robert, the lead author of the study, explained that while vaginal steaming has traditionally been used in some Asian and African cultures, those in the medical profession should be aware of potential risks.
The unusual practice started getting attention back in 2010, when it was recommended by Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle brand GOOP.
Aside from Paltrow, the treatment has also openly been practised by other high-profile celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, who shared a photo of herself undergoing the procedure to Instagram.
However, in spite of the increasing popularity of the procedure over the last few years, medical experts are urging women to steer clear.
Dr Jennifer Wider, another medic hoping to warn women against the potentially harmful trend, told Women’s Health that it is not advisable for anyone to try out vaginal steaming, adding that there's no real evidence to support its apparent benefits.
"The vaginal area is sensitive and these types of burns can be painful and difficult to treat," she said.
