What is a chronic, genetic skin condition that manifests as thickened, dry, and cracked skin?

The condition described in the question is characterized by being chronic and genetic, with symptoms including thickened, dry, and cracked skin. Ichthyosis fits this description perfectly, as it is a group of genetic skin disorders that lead to dry, scaly skin due to a deficiency in the skin's ability to shed dead skin cells properly. This abnormal buildup results in the thickening and cracking of the skin, which is a hallmark of ichthyosis.

While other skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema may involve dry skin or flaking, they do not necessarily fit the genetic and chronic criteria as closely as ichthyosis. For example, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches and may not primarily be defined by the thickness and dryness of the skin. Dermatitis and eczema refer more broadly to inflammation of the skin and can be triggered by various factors, often including allergies or irritants, rather than being fundamentally genetic. Thus, ichthyosis stands out as the most accurate answer to the question about the chronic, genetic condition characterized by thickened, dry, and cracked skin.